The Divorce Process in Columbia
What to Expect when You File for Divorce
Divorcing from your spouse is a major step, as you end one phase of your life and set out on a new chapter. Many people who have decided they no longer want to continue in their marriages hesitate to take action by filing for divorce out of concerns over what to expect during the process and uncertainty about how divorcing will affect things such as their standard of living and their relationship with their children.
While family law is a complex subject and one that is often fraught with emotion, it is important to know that you can find help by coming to a Columbia divorce lawyer at the Masella Law Firm, P.A.
We have a wealth of legal experience, and an attorney from our team is ready to meet with you to discuss your concerns and educate you about your rights. To begin the process, read through this brief outline of the process of filing for divorce, and call or visit our office today.
Proving that You Have Grounds for Divorce
In many ways, divorce is a private and personal matter between you and your spouse, but at the same time it is also a legal issue which must be resolved in the courts.
With over two decades of experience working with family law, personal injury and criminal defense cases throughout South Carolina, we at Masella Law Firm, P.A. are prepared to guide you through the legal process. Click below to be taken to our secure payment page.
Pursuing an Uncontested Divorce
The family law courts prefer to prevent contested divorces whenever possible, so if you and your spouse disagree on the terms of the final settlement the judge may order you to use alternative dispute resolution services. A Columbia divorce attorney from our team can help you with mediation by acting as a neutral third party, facilitating discussions and advising on legal matters while representing neither you nor your spouse. We can also represent you in negotiations with your spouse's attorney, seeking to settle your affairs without a trial.
If an Out-of-Court Settlement Isn't Possible
While we will do everything in our power to secure a favorable divorce settlement through negotiations out of court, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial if that is what is necessary to defend your personal interests. In a trial, both sides will have the opportunity to present evidence and introduce witnesses, seeking to persuade the judge to rule in their favor on matters such as whether to order alimony payments, who should keep the house and which parent is better suited to care for the children.
In the event that the case goes to trial, we will advocate aggressively on your behalf-we know how much is at stake for your future, and are willing to fight for you. Call our firm today at (803) 938-4952 to get started.
