Divorce is common, but it’s still considered taboo by many people. Unfortunately, the taboos surrounding divorce has led many myths surrounding it to spread.
If you’re getting a divorce, here are a few common myths and misconceptions you might have heard and the real truth behind them.
- Men typically file for divorce. Women actually file for the majority of divorces, making up approximately two-thirds of divorce cases.
- Divorce can be denied by a judge. When you file for divorce, you’re asking a judge to grant you the divorce. But that doesn’t mean the judge can deny your request. Once the financial, custody, and visitation issues have been resolved at settlement or trial, a divorce will be granted.
- You don’t need a divorce lawyer. It’s true that you can represent yourself in your divorce. But it’s not recommended. Divorce law firms are an important part of the divorce process. Not only do they help to keep the peace but they also ensure that you don’t get the short end of the straw when your assets are being divided.
- You need to get divorced in the state you were married. You can file for divorce wherever you live, even if your home is far from the state where you and your ex were married. You only need to satisfy the residency requirements for filing for divorce.
- Children get to pick who they live with. If your child is old enough, they can, in certain cases, express a preference to the judge who they would like to live with. But ultimately the custodial parent is decided by many different factors including income, job security, home security, and others. The judge will make their custody decision based on the best interest of the child.
- Most divorces go to court. You do need to file papers with the court to get your divorce, but you don’t necessarily need to go to trial. If both parties are in agreement about the divorce and any issues that come up, you might even be able to avoid stepping foot in a courtroom completely.
Looking for an experienced divorce law firm?
If you’re going through a divorce, you’re not alone. Between 40% to 50% of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. Fortunately, the experienced divorce lawyers of the Affordable Divorce Center can help.
For information on our legal aid for divorce and low-cost divorce services, contact Affordable Divorce Center to schedule a consultation today.
