Divorce

A divorce can be started by either the husband or the wife. Divorces can be resolved by a trial, or by agreement of the parties. Resolving it by agreement is much less expensive than having a trial. Issues that need to be dealt with in a divorce include custody, visitation, child support, property, including houses, cars, savings, and who will pay debts run up during the marriage.

Paternity

A paternity case is a situation where two people have a child without being married. It is handled in the same way as a divorce, except that only custody, visitation and child support are dealt with. There are no property issues in a paternity case.

Child Support

The parent who does not have a child or children living with them will be ordered to pay child support to the other parent. Child support is based on your income, and the number of children you are supporting.

Spousal Support (what used to be called Alimony)

In some cases where one spouse has a much lower income, and limited earning potential, SPOUSAL support may be ordered either temporarily or permanently. Spousal support becomes more likely in a long term marriage.

Post-Divorce Issues

After a divorce is finalized, child support, custody, visitation, and financial obligations can be changed under certain circumstances. Generally, the person who wants the change must prove that the existing arrangement is unfair.