DIVORCE VA - What you need to know
July 162009
If you are considering getting a divorce, you have to understand the intricacies of a divorce VA or in the USA for that matter. Remember that the United States is a federation of states, and within each state there are different laws regarding what grounds there are for legally getting a divorce and how to go about filing for divorce.
So, what do you need to know about getting a divorce in the United States?
*Each state has different divorce laws, as I said. Some of these laws may be just about the same from state to state, but many others will be different or have certain qualifying factors to them. You have to be sure that you know these laws before you proceed with divorce papers. Some states have laws that only require one of the two of you to have been a resident there for a certain time period.
*Different states have different residency laws. You might want a divorce, and you might even be separated legally from your spouse, yet be unable to get a divorce right away because of residency requirements from state to state. It’s important that you learn about military posting requirements, because most states have laws saying that if you have been stationed there for military service purposes for such and such a time, you can qualify for divorce in that state because of your posting.
*Be very careful about child custody laws. Different states’ courts will determine who gets the children if any are involved based upon different criteria. Traditionally, on a national level, it is easier for women to get custody of the children, or at least primary custody. However, states have different regulations concerning if and when a child under the age of 18 can petition the court to be permitted to go live with the other parent, and cases are taken on a circumstantial basis in most states. Don’t make any assumptions about what will make one parent get the children over the other.
*Different states have different laws concerning the distribution of property and assets in the wake of a divorce. You will need to be very up on these laws with respect to where you live. You also need to have every shred of documentation available that you can come up with regarding assets and property, because the court is only going to go on what you can prove. Make no assumptions about how this part of the divorce process will go until you know the state’s laws.
*Get an attorney. Don’t even think twice about it.
*If it’s at all possible, find counseling and save your marriage.
This is how it goes if you need to get a Divorce VA or in the USA.