Law Library Articles
Top 10 Divorce Law Articles in the LegalMatch Law Library
During certain time periods in history, divorce was only available under very strict circumstances, if it was an option at all. Nowadays, divorce is not only readily available, it’s basically the norm. The average life of a marriage is 11 years in the United States. If you make it to year 12, you’re possibly taking things a bit too seriously. You’re pretty much some kind of radical.
However, despite the fact that divorce is common in today’s society, it still remains a serious, stressful, life-altering experience with many emotional and legal consequences. As a starting point for people contemplating divorce, the LegalMatch Law Library has compiled a list of the Top 10 Articles on Divorce Law.
1. Divorce, Marriage, and Incarceration
Yes, people in prison can still get married or divorced, but it’s complicated. This article explains how to file divorce when one spouse is incarcerated, rules about conjugal visits, and the legal steps for a spouse on the outside who wants to end the marriage. It also covers how incarceration may affect child custody, support, and property division.
2. Filing for Divorce in Different States
When spouses live in separate states, deciding where to file can make a big difference in property division, alimony, and custody. This article shows you how different states handle divorce rules and outlines the benefits (and drawbacks) of choosing one state over another. It also walks you through how to serve divorce papers across state lines.
3. Divorce While Abroad
It’s possible to get divorced in another country and still have that divorce recognized at home. But international divorces are rarely simple. This article explores jurisdictional rules, what to do if one spouse is in the U.S. military, and why you might need to return stateside to finalize some issues.
4. Divorce Lawyers for Men
Sometimes, men’s concerns get overlooked in family court, like wanting more visitation time or needing fair spousal support. This article discusses how a male-focused lawyer might help a dad negotiate custody, protect assets, and ensure he’s treated fairly. It also covers legal strategies and typical issues men face in the divorce process.
5. Divorce from a Missing Spouse
What if your spouse disappears and you can’t serve them with divorce papers? This article covers “service by publication,” or publishing a divorce notice in a newspaper. It also shows what to do if they don’t respond and explains how courts handle child custody or property decisions when one party is missing.
6. Divorce Lawyers for Women
Women often worry about equal asset division, spousal support, and child custody. This article addresses unique challenges women might face, such as credit issues, lower earning potential, or dealing with domestic violence. It also highlights how a lawyer can protect a woman’s finances and parental rights.
7. Appealing a Divorce Decree
Not happy with the final ruling in your divorce? You might appeal if you believe the judge made a serious legal mistake. This article shows what an appeal can do (and can’t), explains strict deadlines, and reminds you that appeals rarely let you introduce new evidence. It also covers other ways to challenge a final divorce decree.
8. How to Enforce a Divorce Decree
If your ex refuses to follow court orders (like failing to pay child support or hand over assets), you may have legal remedies. This article details ways to hold them accountable, such as filing a motion for contempt or taking them back to civil court. It also talks about possible criminal charges for failing to pay support.
9. Divorce House Buyout
Who keeps the house after divorce can be a big deal. If one spouse wants to stay put, they might buy the other spouse’s share. This article explains how to figure out home equity, calculate fair value, and structure a buyout. It also touches on finances like refinancing and how community property vs. equitable distribution states treat the home.
10. Responding to Divorce Papers in California
California has specific steps and forms if you’ve just been served with divorce papers. This article walks you through filling out the response, meeting deadlines, and deciding whether to fight your spouse’s requests or agree and skip a trial. It also covers filing fees, local county rules, and what happens if you do nothing.
Divorce can be extremely difficult. But with the right information, and a qualified divorce attorney to guide you, you can get through it. If you have questions about your own case, consider speaking with a family law attorney who’s familiar with your state’s rules, so you can protect your rights and move forward with confidence.
