Do You Really Need a Divorce Attorney for your Divorce Case?

At the time of your wedding, you may not have envisioned trouble in your relationship. But now, your marriage is on the verge of a breakdown. It can be shocking and stressful but know that you’re not the only one, as divorce is common in Knoxville, TN. The state clocked the tenth spot in highest divorce rates in the U.S. In 2018, Knox County and other Knoxville metropolitan areas recorded a divorce rate of 3.5 per 1,000.

Whether it is legal separation, annulment, or divorce, finding an experienced Knoxville divorce attorney can help smooth the divorce process.

Each Divorce Case in Knoxville is Unique

Going through a divorce can be a nightmare if you do not navigate the process correctly. Sure, you have your family and friends that take care of you and assist you in every stage. But they may not be aware of the legal proceedings or offer wise counsel.

On the other hand, a competent lawyer can advise you on various options you and your spouse have. Several legalities surround your divorce. For instance, when you decide to end the marriage, your child may suffer the most if there’s no right approach. In Knoxville, courts may award sole custody of a minor child to either parent. Your other options are joint custody or shared parenting.

Depending on your situation, you may not even get residential parenting time. Your Knoxville divorce lawyer will try to convince the judge to let you have visitation rights in such a case. Furthermore, all divorcing parents in Knoxville, TN, must attend the Parenting Plan program or parenting education seminar.

How Does Your Lawyer Help in Your Divorce Case?

There are several factors to consider when filing for divorce. If you are financially less advantaged than your spouse, you can claim alimony in Knoxville. Property division and other ramifications are also some of the things you can work on with your attorney.

In most cases, a resolution takes place before the legal process begins. Even in contested divorce situations, mediation is possible through the Community Mediation Center.

The mediators are trained counselors from various backgrounds, including the faculty at the University of Tennessee. Mediation can help you settle on a mutually acceptable agreement, but you still need to file a case. Your Knoxville lawyer takes the time to listen to all of these concerns and guide you in every aspect.

Your divorce attorney can:

1. Instill confidence in you and fight for your rights
2. Do their due diligence and prepare you for the trial
3. Negotiate with the other party and get you a fair and agreeable settlement
4. Help you have more control over the proceedings
5. Indirectly hasten the result and ensure it benefits you

What to Expect in the Divorce Process?

Every divorce lawsuit begins when someone files a complaint. The person who files for a contested divorce is the Plaintiff, and the other party is called the Defendant. The respondent can choose to counter the petition and go to trial or settle in a mutual agreement.

There are fifteen grounds for divorce in Knoxville, TN, including:

• Abandonment
• Impotence
• Marital misconduct
• Felony conviction
• Inhuman treatment
• Irreconcilable differences

The last ground is when you file mutual consent divorce along with your spouse. But even for this, you will have to wait for two to six months to get divorced. As you can understand, pre-planning is crucial in divorce cases. Contact a Knoxville divorce attorney today to determine the best way to handle your case.