Once you divorce your spouse, you will have to determine a suitable way to settle your marriage. Typically, the process involves the creation of a parenting plan and a financial agreement. While couples have the freedom to create these documents by themselves, it is highly advised that they engage the services of family law solicitors. Below is an extract detailing the benefits of hiring a family law solicitor as you settle your marriage. 

Determining Property To Include In The Financial Agreement

Your family law solicitor will assess your finances and advice which properties you should include in your property settlement negotiations. Typically, property acquired before the marriage is not considered during these proceedings. However, it could come into play if a party made direct contributions in maintaining the property. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements must be considered when dividing property. For instance, if you had relinquished your rights to the family home, you cannot claim it during property settlement negotiations. 

The Need For Spousal Support

Spousal support is considered when there is a significant difference in the income of both parties. In such a way, the disadvantaged party cannot maintain their earlier lifestyle after the divorce. Your family law solicitor will advise on a suitable way to calculate these payments. Typically, the lawyer will assess your spouse's income, their needs vis-à-vis your needs to determine a reasonable figure. When negotiating these payments, the lawyer will make arguments based on your direct and indirect contributions towards your spouse's current financial position. For instance, it could be you decided to be a stay-at-home parent to allow them to concentrate on their career or business. 

Children's Rights

Children have a right to a meaningful relationship with their parents after the divorce. Besides, they should be protected from harmful environments and violence. When drafting parenting plans, most people are selfish and therefore want the children to themselves. Your family law solicitors will ensure that the negotiations prioritise the needs of the children as opposed to the interests of the parents. 

Independent Legal Advice

Your family law solicitor will offer independent legal advice to ensure you make the right decisions when drafting the agreements. Ideally, the lawyer will advise the long-term impacts of each of your resolves. For example, if you want spousal payments made in instalments, your partner could nullify the payments if you start seeing somebody else. Additionally, they could ask the Family Court to reduce the payments if they can prove that their financial situation has changed. 

When hiring a family law solicitor, ensure that they are licenced practitioners in your state. Additionally, the lawyer should have excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills. 

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