Best Divorce & Separation Lawyers in Greenwood

About Divorce & Separation Law in Greenwood, United States

In Greenwood and across the United States, divorce and separation laws primarily focus on the division of marital assets, child custody, and spousal support. The legal process can be complex, involving various aspects like facilitating financial arrangements, ensuring well-being of children involved, and considering the specific circumstances of each marital relationship. The state of Greenwood follows equitable distribution laws, aiming to split assets fairly but not always equally.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal advice in divorce and separation cases is often needed to navigate complex laws and to ensure fair treatment for all involved parties. A lawyer can assist in several situations such as drafting separation agreement, dividing marital properties, resolving child custody and visitation disputes, as well as calculating child and spousal support. Moreover, they provide crucial help when a divorce case goes to court. In contentious divorces, having legal representation is practically necessary.

Local Laws Overview

In Greenwood, divorce can be granted on both fault and no-fault grounds. For a no-fault divorce, the parties need to live separately for a year with no cohabitation. Grounds of fault divorce include adultery, desertion, and cruelty. Marital properties are divided equitably, considering factors such as the length of the marriage, the age of the spouses, and their earning capacities. Child custody decisions are made by evaluating the best interest of the child. Additionally, Greenwood law also considers the wishes of the child, if they are old enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is child custody decided?

Judges in Greenwood decide on child custody based on the best interests of the child. They consider various factors, such as the child's relationship with each parent, the parents' ability to provide for the child, and the stability each parent can offer.

2. How is property divided in a divorce?

Property in a Greenwood divorce is divided on an equitable basis considering several factors, like the length of the marriage, the economic situation of each spouse, and contribution of each party to the acquisition of the marital assets.

3. What are the grounds for a divorce?

In Greenwood, divorce can be granted on no-fault grounds which require a year of separation with no cohabitation, or for fault reasons like adultery, desertion, or cruelty.

4. How is spousal support determined?

Spousal support is determined based on each spouse's income, earning capacity, duration of the marriage, standard of living during the marriage and the financial need of the requesting spouse.

5. How long does a divorce take?

Uncontested divorces can take several weeks to a few months. Contested divorces, with complex issues to resolve, can take years to finalize.

Additional Resources

Those in need of legal advice related to divorce and separation may find these resources helpful: The Family Law Section of the Greenwood Bar Association, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and public legal aid organizations across Greenwood. State and local government websites can also provide information about divorce and separation laws and processes.

Next Steps

If you're considering or facing a divorce or separation in Greenwood, it's recommended to consult with a knowledgeable family law attorney. Start your search online and consult with several attorneys to find the right one for your needs. Make sure to prepare a list of questions and bring all relevant documents for your consultation. Your attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and guide you through this difficult process.