How do I find a good divorce attorney?
When looking to find a good divorce attorney, it's important to try to find an attorney that specializes in family law. Family law covers legal issues such as divorce, child custody, visitation rights, child support, nuptial agreements and all other related issues. The right divorce lawyer can help you in handling one of the most difficult times in your life. There are many ways to find a good divorce lawyer, including referrals from others who have been through a divorce, local bar associations, lawyer referral services, law firm websites and online lawyer directories.

How long does it typically take to get a divorce?
That depends on what state you are located in, since divorce laws vary by state. For example, in the state of California, the minimum amount of time it takes to get a divorce is six months from the date the petition for dissolution was filed. On average, it takes about a year.

How much does it cost to get a divorce?
Since every divorce is different, costs vary. If the divorce is a “friendly” divorce, and there is a settlement before trial, costs will be much less than if the case goes to trial. However, if both sides are not amicable and wish to fight each other in court, then the cost could become substantial. Since most divorce lawyers charge by the hour, the costs of a divorce lawyer will depend on how many hours the attorney works on your case. To make it easier on their clients, some divorce lawyers offer payment plans to make it easier to hire a family law attorney.

What happens to our children in a divorce?
Both sides must reach an agreement on who will take care of the children. Each party is responsible for supporting any children under 18. In certain situations, this obligation may extend beyond the age of 18. Of course dealing with child custody issues can be extremely difficult on both parents. The important thing to remember is the children and what is in their best interest.

How much child support will be paid?
The amount of child support paid depends on the laws in your state. Child support is paid to the parent with primary custody of the child or children and is usually based on a percentage of income of the paying party, cost of living expenses and specific needs of the children. In a child support case, the person paying child support is called the “obliger”.

What is the entire divorce process like?
First, one spouse finds a lawyers who helps them prepare the “complaint”. The “complaint” is the legal document that species the reasons for the divorce. The complaint is filed with the court, served to the other spouse who then must file an “answer” within a specific time period. If the other spouse does not file the response within the given time period, then the divorce is considered an uncontested divorce. If the answer is filed, the responding party must set specify the relief they are requesting. Next, the parties engage in the discovery process, where all documents are exchanged in order to decide the issues involved. Some of these issues include division of property, child support, custody and visitation, etc. Both sides can attempt to settle the case before trial. Settlement can be voluntarily initiated or handled by a divorce mediator. If the case is settled, then the agreement is then submitted to the court. The judge may or may not approve of the agreement. If the judge does not approve, the case will then go to trial where attorneys will present both sides of the case. The judge will then decide on the case and determine all the issues at hand. Appeals to a higher court can be made if desired by either party.

Answers Courtesy of Wilkinson & Finkbeiner - San Diego California Attorneys focusing on Family Law – Estate Planning – Business Planning.

DivorceNet.com - http://www.divorcenet.com/
A Nationwide directory of resources for Divorce Lawyers across the country which provides
specific info to certain laws by state.

US Government Information on Overseas Divorces - http://travel.state.gov/family/issues_divorce.html
Primarily dealing with laws and concerns of filled divorces overseas but also handle these matters in a court of law here in the states.

Divorce Source - http://www.divorcesource.com/
An Online research center for divorce lawyers and individuals looking for up to date forums, news and research articles pertaining to Divorce.

DivorceNet.com - www.divorcenet.com
A large Divorce resource database full of research articles offering an abundance of material and directory of Divorce Lawyers Online.

DivorceInfo.com - www.divorceinfo.com
A website devoted to preventative divorce measures and post divorce resolutions on how to solve your issues
individually or through a divorce attorney.

MillenniumDivorce - www.millenniumdivorce.com
An information portal of divorce attorneys and experienced mediators who can help answer the important questions in divorce.