Few situations in your life can be harder than going through a divorce. No one expects their marriage to end in divorce. Unfortunately, life can work out in a much different way than you planned. Sometimes, a marriage simply cannot survive the consequences of life, and that’s okay. Above all, it is important that you take the proper steps to protect yourself by hiring an Indianapolis divorce lawyer. Understanding why you should hire a divorce lawyer is important.
Why Should You Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
Deciding on the right divorce lawyer may be the most important decision you make throughout the entire divorce process. You should hire somebody who provides you with empathy, compassion, tenacity, dedication, knowledge, and experience, among other important factors. An experienced divorce lawyer can make sure you are not taken advantage of during your divorce process, which can frequently happen depending on the circumstances of the divorce.
It’s not a secret that many divorces are not amicable, especially when children are involved. Many times, a marriage ends because of outside influence, infidelity, or even abuse. The divorce process can become contentious, with each side seeking not only to get what they feel they are owed but to hurt the other spouse in the process.
An experienced divorce lawyer can ensure you stay on track and focus on healing yourself by breaking away from a broken marriage that has fallen apart.
Grounds for Divorce in Indiana
Indiana may be a no-fault divorce state, but there are still multiple ways you can file for a fault-based divorce. It all depends on how your marriage is ending and what caused its downfall. There are four primary grounds on which you can file for divorce in Indiana, and all of them can be argued or defended with the right lawyer:
- Irretrievable Breakdown: An irretrievable breakdown of the marriage occurs when one or both spouses are simply unable to reconcile or unwilling to try. There is no possibility of reconciliation, and the only option is to pursue a divorce. You may have tried counseling or simply fallen out of love, but the end result is the same. This is considered a no-fault divorce in Indiana because fault is not assigned to either spouse.
- Felony Conviction: If your spouse is convicted of a felony during your marriage and sentenced to prison, you can pursue a dissolution of marriage. Your spouse can also pursue the same if you were convicted of a felony during the marriage.
- Impotence: If you and your spouse discover during your marriage that one of you is impotent and is unable to participate in sexual activity, it can be adequate grounds for a divorce in Indiana. Impotence is not the avoidance of sex or infertility. Impotence is a medical change that can affect men and women alike, and it leads to the inability to have sexual relations with your partner.
- Incurable Insanity: You may have grounds for a divorce if your partner is determined to be medically insane and incurable, so long as the condition is expected to last at least two years.
FAQs
Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for My Divorce in Indiana?
A: You do not need to hire a lawyer for your divorce in Indiana. You are allowed to pursue a divorce yourself without the assistance of a lawyer. If you and your spouse are divorcing amicably and nothing is contested, this could be the most effective avenue for your divorce. Still, it is recommended that you seek the help of a lawyer whenever you are dealing with a legal issue. It is important to have someone experienced in the divorce process.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Indiana?
A: Generally, a divorce in Indiana can take a long time to finalize, but every divorce case is different and has different circumstances. Each case has its own history, details, circumstances, and pains that are going to affect the timeline. Depending on asset division, child custody, and willingness to compromise, some divorces can take a long time to fully finalize.
Q: How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Indiana?
A: There is no telling how much a divorce could cost you in Indiana. Every divorce is different, with many factors that have to be considered. The more complex a divorce is, the higher it could cost. There are simply too many unique variables to determine an exact or even an estimated cost. A divorce lawyer can help you figure out how much your divorce may cost you, but a general cost for everyone cannot be determined.
Q: Does It Matter Which Spouse Files for Divorce First?
A: In terms of asset division or child custody, the filing spouse is not going to get preferential treatment because it looks like they pursued divorce against the other spouse. However, filing for divorce first can provide the filing party with the upper hand. They may have had far more time to find and speak to a lawyer, work out their desired terms, and serve the papers. The other spouse may feel blindsided.
Reach Out to an Experienced Divorce Lawyer Today
Going through a divorce can be a difficult and overwhelming experience that you may not have had time to prepare for. You may not have even seen it coming. Now, you have to handle it without emotionally falling apart. An experienced divorce lawyer can be there for you and provide you with the right kind of legal assistance.
The legal team at Stange Law Firm in Indianapolis can provide you with peace of mind by handling the details of your case while you focus on adjusting to a new normal, which can be easier said than done.
We can help you work out custody agreements, handle communication with your spouse’s lawyer, and protect your interests. Contact us to schedule a consultation. With our legal team on your side, you can rest assured that your case is being handled with the attention and care that is required.
