Hopkinsville Divorce Lawyer

Hopkinsville Divorce Attorney

Facing a divorce can be extremely overwhelming, with strong emotions affecting your ability to follow legal guidelines and requirements for the divorce. From dividing marital assets to negotiating custody and support arrangements, having the legal resources of a Hopkinsville divorce lawyer can help to ensure your obligations are met, and an effective legal strategy is implemented to secure the most favorable outcome possible.

At the law office of Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, we understand how stressful a divorce can be. It’s why we set out to offer each divorce client quality legal support that makes them feel validated and supported from start to finish. Our practice has spent years helping clients in Hopkinsville deal with the legalities of the divorce process, and we would be honored to extend the same support and lessons learned from their experiences to your case. Contact us today to begin the process.

Common Issues Found in Hopkinsville, KY Divorces

When a couple decides it’s time to initiate a divorce proceeding, there are many different situations that can arise in the process that could complicate what could be a straightforward and amicable agreement. Some of the most common issues that might unfold in your divorce include:

• Child Custody and Visitation
  If you share children with your spouse, both parents will need to determine if they will split physical and legal custody or if one parent will take on the responsibilities themself. Physical custody determines where a child will live, while legal custody grants the authority to make life-altering decisions on behalf of a child. This can include what type of medical treatment they receive, what religion they practice, or where they go to school.Custody rights are often split equally between both parents if there are no issues that impact their parental rights. However, sometimes, a parent is granted sole custody if the other parent is unable to provide a stable home. This would grant the non-custodial parent visitation rights, as long as there is no evidence to suggest they ever engaged in abusive or neglectful behavior that would still affect the kids post-divorce during their visits.
• Child Support
  Child support payments may be in order when one parent makes significantly more money than the other parent. These monthly payments are to help the lower-earning spouse cover a child’s basic necessities like food and shelter. One common dispute when deciding child support payments is how accurately each spouse reported their income. It may be suggested that one parent manipulated their income to influence child support, but proof is required for the court to take the actual income into account.
• Dividing Property and Debts
  Kentucky is an equitable distribution state. This means that every single asset and debt that was acquired during the tenure of the two spouses’ marriage is subject to division based on what seems fair, as opposed to a 50/50 split. To make this determination, the court will look into how long the couple was married, what each spouse contributed, and what their financial health will be post-divorce.
• Retirement Benefits
  Any funds added to a retirement plan are considered to be a joint marital asset in Kentucky. This specific asset can be difficult to split, as both parties typically rely on these savings to support themselves later in life. Both the current value of the retirement plan and future earnings need to be calculated before the court decides the fairest way to split retirement benefits. A personal asset division lawyer can help ensure no one gets more than they should of these funds.

FAQs

Q: How Much Money Does It Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Kentucky?

A: There isn’t a single universal price that a divorce in Kentucky will cost, as specific circumstances can significantly change the total cost. Factors like any complications that arise, the experience level of the divorce attorney, whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, and the location of the divorce proceedings. Attorneys can charge for their services either by hour or by service. Discussing the attorney’s costs during the consultation can give you an idea of how much your divorce will cost when working with them.

Q: How Long Will a Divorce Take to Close in Kentucky?

A: The length of a Kentucky divorce largely depends on how contested the issues are between both parties. When two parting spouses agree on all terms, the process can be finalized relatively quickly. However, contested divorces will significantly increase the timeline and overall cost. In Kentucky, both spouses must submit to a 60-day waiting period after filing their divorce petition.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Legal Separation and Divorce in Kentucky?

A: Legal separation in Kentucky allows two spouses to live apart from one another under certain conditions and still be legally recognized as married, while a divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage. Legal separation is a popular option for those who do not want to divorce for personal reasons such as religious beliefs or financial considerations. If the legally separated couple wants to remarry, they will need to transition their separation to an official divorce.

Q: How Is Child Custody Determined in Kentucky?

A: Child custody determinations in Kentucky prioritize the most advantageous arrangement for the child’s welfare. To achieve this, the court will investigate factors such as the stability of the environment each parent can offer, their preexisting relationship with the child, and the mental and physical health of everyone involved. If there is any evidence of domestic violence, this could cause the alleged abuser to lose their parental rights.

Q: Can Spousal Support Be Modified After a Divorce is Finalized in Kentucky?

A: Yes, spouse support can be modified post-divorce; however, the state of Kentucky requires certain conditions to be met. There must be a significant change in circumstances in order to proceed with this request, such as a change in employment status or new financial hardship from a personal injury. Whoever is seeking the modification is required to petition the court and provide evidence to support their position that a modification is needed.

Contact a Knowledgeable Divorce Attorney Today

While a divorce can be one of the most challenging times in your life, you are not forced to go through the process alone. Connect with the law office of Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, today for a compassionate yet effective approach to resolving contentious divorce disputes. We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about how we can help you move on with this new chapter of your life.