There’s nothing wrong with protecting yourself during a divorce. Many divorces come out of nowhere and blindside one partner. You may not be able to protect yourself if you don’t know it’s coming. Other times, it’s obvious that a divorce is approaching, and there are actions you can take to ensure your own interests are thoroughly protected. It’s okay to feel concerned, confused, or even worried during this trying time. A Topeka divorce lawyer can help you.

It’s important to remember that no strong, solid marriage ends in divorce. Divorces happen to marriages that are fractured, strained, or weighed down with resentment. Even if you are the one who filed the papers, you may be feeling betrayed and apprehensive. Those feelings are normal. Throughout this ordeal, you will want the right people by your side offering guidance, support, and legal assistance. We can help you work out a plan to protect yourself in your divorce.

Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

Hiring the right divorce lawyer could end up being the most important decision you make in your case. You should keep in mind that your spouse will likely be hiring their own lawyer, and you don’t want to end up going into negotiations or a courtroom unprepared. 

At Stange Law Firm, our multi-state legal team can provide you with the resources you need to come out on top in your divorce and ensure your interests are protected. We can provide a personal approach to your case.

According to recent statistical data from the CDC, Kansas has one of the lowest rates of divorce in the entire country at just 1.9 per 1,000 residents as of 2022. However, the state does have a significantly higher rate of marriage at 5.3 per 1,000 residents as of 2023, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. It’s reasonable to want to know the divorce and marriage statistics in your state. It can help you feel less isolated in your decision.

It’s also reasonable to feel somewhat emotionally unavailable during your divorce. You may be going through one of the most emotionally traumatic events of your life. It’s okay to not be okay. You may want to think about reaching out to a local divorce support group like DivorceCare or Relationship Recovery. Talking to people who are dealing with similar concerns and traumas can be greatly beneficial to your overall recovery. Your lawyer can recommend additional groups.

Protecting Yourself in a Divorce

There are many personal actions you can take to ensure that your ex doesn’t hurt you as much during and after your divorce. Everyone experiences divorce in their own way. Some people heal quickly, while others may never heal at all. Still, stress is a consistent element in everyone’s divorce, as the entire process can often be considerably stressful and somewhat unpredictable. Here are some steps you can take to protect your own interests and emotions:

  • One of the most important things you can do during this ordeal is surround yourself with as much support as possible. In fact, you can never have enough support. While you may no longer be able to lean on your spouse for emotional support, you can try to take comfort in your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and more. You can even try to reconnect with old friends you may have lost touch with during the marriage.
  • After your divorce, it is vital that you establish and enforce very clear boundaries with your ex. Sometimes, depending on how their own post-divorce journey is going, your ex may feel like they still have some right to be a part of your life. Ultimately, it’s your decision to make if you want to allow that. If the answer is no, enforce that boundary. This can be especially hard to do if you are forced to co-parent with them.

FAQs

Q: Is a Divorce Lawyer Really Necessary?

A: Yes, a divorce lawyer is necessary. You never know how your divorce is going to play out until the process has already begun. Depending on your position, your finances, home, and even custody of your children could be at stake. You don’t want to risk that. Reach out to an experienced divorce lawyer to ensure you have adequate help by your side. A lawyer can take charge of your case for you, provide you with advice, and advocate for you.

Q: How Does Asset Division Work in Kansas?

A: Asset division in Kansas is done through the equitable distribution model. This model ensures that both spouses receive a fair distribution of marital assets by considering a number of contributing factors. It’s important to keep in mind that fair does not always mean equal. The asset split is decided by weighing each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, the total length of the marriage, and each spouse’s earning potential after the divorce.

Q: Who Will Get Custody of the Children?

A: There’s no telling who will get custody of the children. In Kansas, both parents are seen as equal contributors to their children’s upbringing. Neither the mother nor the father is automatically seen as the custodial parent before the divorce is settled. Most of the time, the court will push for joint custody, as that arrangement still gives each parent equal responsibility for raising their child.

Q: Is Divorce the Right Decision to Make?

A: You are the only one who can answer that. Divorce is a big decision, and it’s not one you should make lightly. Everyone has their breaking point, and yours is as valid as anyone else’s. If your partner has broken your trust and you feel there’s no salvaging this marriage, you should reach out to a divorce lawyer and start the process. Regardless of whether you choose to get a divorce, you should do right by yourself above all else.

Contact a Lawyer Today

At Stange Law Firm, we can help you find ways to protect not just your financial interests, but also your emotional health during your divorce. Contact us to speak to a valued member of our legal team about all the ways we can help your case.