Instances where couples come to a mutual decision regarding divorce are common. However, there are situations when divorce comes as a complete surprise to an individual. Once you receive divorce papers, you need to make crucial decisions to protect and safe guard your rights as an individual.
The expert family law solicitors state that you should take the following steps to ensure that your rights remain protected:
Go through the divorce papers and read them carefully
Reading the divorce papers is one of the most important steps one has to take before taking any further steps. There is a whole lot of information in these papers. You need to get your hands on all the information that you can gather. The papers contain information on where the case was filed. This is important for coupes who are estranged and when a spouse files for a divorce in a different city or state. It also contains a deadline before which one has to respond. It also helps you gather knowledge whether they are filing the divorce on their own or taking help from a family law solicitor.
The divorce papers also indicate the grounds on which he divorce is being sought. There could also be requests regarding child support, child custody and division of property.
Devise a response
The usual time period to respond to the divorce papers is around thirty days or a month. If the deadline passes without a response the other party would be able to get all they want which they requested in the divorce papers. Your family law solicitor would help you devise a proper response. All the numbered statements for complains need to be addressed separately.
Hire the right family law solicitor
Divorces can get complicated pretty quick. This holds true when both the spouses are at a difference of opinion regarding various matters. A solicitor would make sure that things work in your favor and they would provide you with the right kind of guidance. The solicitor would not only review the document but they would also ensure that they are able to answer all the complaints addressed in the divorce papers. Plus would also prepare the demands that you have in a concise legal manner.
Make sure you have all the documents handy
You would be required to bring in certain documents in your first meeting with your estranged spouse and their lawyer. Once you receive the papers, make sure you get down to collecting all the document which you would require. Your solicitor would also help you know which documents are needed. Make sure you have everything handy before the first meeting takes place.
These would include financial documents, tax returns for the previous three years and any credit card statements.
Have discussions with your lawyers to safe guard your assets
Anyone going through a divorce need to have important discussions regarding protection of their assets. There are certain jurisdictions in which all assets are frozen as soon as the petition for divorce is sent.
Make sure that you are hiring a family law solicitor in Brisbane that is trustworthy and reliable to help you through this difficult process.