Divorce is a stressful time for both parties, and the best divorce attorney is someone who has experience in the field. These professionals are the voice of reason and can guide you through the process, keeping you stress-free. They can help you decide how to divide your assets and debts and protect your rights. Having a lawyer on your side will ensure that your rights are protected and that you don’t make any mistakes.

A divorce can be a stressful and difficult time in your life, especially if you have children. A good Orange County divorce attorney can help you navigate this period of your life. He will carefully listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and assess your case. If you have children, he can also advise you on the best way to protect them.

A good divorce attorney will also know the law and understand the process in your state. While every divorce case is different, there are some characteristics that are common to all divorces. Many cases are acrimonious, while others are more friendly. Sometimes there are allegations of domestic violence, which can lead to a contested divorce. Your divorce attorney will know the laws and know how to handle these situations with the best outcome possible.

Once you and your spouse have signed the necessary forms, the process begins. A process server gives copies of these forms to your spouse. Both parties must exchange documents stating their assets and debts. This is known as a preliminary declaration of disclosure and is often the most tedious part of the divorce process. It’s crucial that you work with an attorney if you want to protect your rights to community property and assets.

A divorce lawyer can also explain how to divide property and debts. This can be tricky, because the parties may have brought separate assets into the marriage and may have acquired wealth independently. Divorce attorneys can also explain the laws of each state that govern property division. It’s often more difficult to divide assets if one partner has taken responsibility for a large amount of debt.

If you have children, your attorney will focus on these issues as well. In most cases, divorces will require both parents to live apart. It’s imperative that children are not negatively affected by the divorce process. A divorce attorney can help you reach an agreement on overnight custody and visitation arrangements for children.

While choosing a divorce attorney, be sure to check out their experience and credentials. Ask friends and family members about referrals. Alternatively, you can contact your local bar association to get multiple referrals from members of the profession. The bar association can also assist you in finding an affordable divorce attorney. In some cases, you may even be eligible for a free divorce attorney if you have low income.

A good divorce attorney can run child support guideline calculations for you. Child support payments are often made through income withholding orders, which are deducted from your paycheck. Alternatively, you and your spouse may have shared ownership of a house, so your attorney will address how to divide that property and how much equity there is.