how can i be sure my lawyer filed my divorce papers

What do you need to do if you are divorced?

If you received any property in the divorce, you'll need to have your spouse sign a quit claim deed, which can then be recorded at the courthouse. If you received any vehicles, have your ex sign over the title in the lawyer's office, and file for a change of title at the motor vehicle department.

What to include in divorce papers?

What Should Be Included In Your Divorce Papers: 1 The stated ground for divorce; 2 Custody arrangements for the children including physical and legal custody; 3 Parenting plan provisions, visitation schedules, and any exceptions; 4 Child support calculations and how payments will be made; 5 Which parent is responsible for health coverage on the children; 6 Relocation provisions and any restrictions on moving out of the area; 7 Which parent will claim the children as tax dependents; 8 Division of property and assets, including how titles and deeds will be transferred; 9 Division of checking, savings, and other financial or investment accounts; 10 Division of debts such as loans, credit card debts, mortgages, etc.; 11 Indemnification of future debts; 12 Alimony or spousal support is applicable; 13 Settlement payout (a lump sum is preferable); 14 Any other provisions specific to your situation.

What is division of property?

Division of property and assets, including how titles and deeds will be transferred; Division of checking, savings, and other financial or investment accounts ; Division of debts such as loans, credit card debts, mortgages, etc.; Any other provisions specific to your situation.

What is a temporary order?

Temporary Orders. Temporary orders are generally filed with the initial divorce petition to maintain the status quo while the divorce is pending. If you have children, you should seriously think about filing for temporary custody and support of the children.

Michael Charles Doland

Both my colleagues are right on the mark. Demand your papers, find a new attorney, (don't rely on this one) and file complaint with the state bar.

Steven Alan Fink

Send your lawyer a letter setting forth the facts and demanding that the divorce documents be filed immediately.

Michael Charles Schwerin

Ask him for a complete copy of your file. Cut your losses. Once you get it, find another lawyer to finish the case. Report him to the bar. Talk to a lawyer about suing him or sue him in small claims court for a refund. An uncontested divorce case should be done in a matter of months.

How to choose a divorce attorney?

There are several things to look for when choosing a divorce attorney. You want to choose someone who is experienced, respected, competent, and affordable. If they are proving to not be a good fit though, change them. Because you can, even if the reason is that you don't get on with him or her. Bear in mind however that if an attorney has worked on your case, you'll have to pay her/him for their time. Also, it might damage your case to change attorney's when you are close to a court ordered deadline, so only do it after careful consideration.

How to start a divorce?

One of the best and simplest ways to do that is to start a divorce file. In this file, keep every bit of paper that could have an effect on how your divorce proceedings. Gather copies of all important financial documents and access to all account information. Keep it organized and easy to navigate.

What is fault based divorce?

Fault-based divorce is when one spouse committed an act that gives legal justification to the ending of the marriage. These acts include adultery, a felony conviction, cruelty, or desertion.

How much does a divorce cost?

Contested divorces cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000, though there are plenty of ways to limit the staunch the outward flow of cash before and during the process.

What does it mean to be uncontested in divorce?

An uncontested divorce means that you and your spouse agree child custody, spousal support, child support, visitation, and division of property. If you find that there is no need to fight over these things, you've already saved yourself thousands of dollars.

Is divorce law firm bigger than solo practice?

In any industry, the larger a company is, the bigger volume it's doing. Divorce law firms are no different, prompting many people to seek a solo practitioner who is more invested in the outcome of your case. Paradoxically, however, if the solo practitioner does not have adequate support staff in his or her office, your case may end up not getting the attention and care you were promised.

What is mediation in divorce?

Mediation is a process whereby you and your spouse sit down with a neutral third party to negotiate several important areas of divorce. It's a low-cost way to address practically any other disagreement you and your spouse may have. While the mediator's decision is not binding, it allows a neutral party to provide their perspective on how divorce related issues should be addressed. However, mediation can only be a useful tool if you and your spouse can come to an broad agreement.

How long does a divorce last?

But, when someone files for divorce, that is the OFFICIAL start of a divorce: a process that can last two months or six years. I’ve seen both and everything in between. A divorce ends OFFICIALLY when the two people go to court, stand in front of a judge ...

What is a mediator?

A mediator helps you and your spouse come to a settlement. 3. Collaborative divorce. A team helps you get divorced. 4. Litigation. (if there is no way the two of you can come to agreements on your own.). It costs the most and a judge is making life decisions for you.

Who is Jackie Pilossoph?

Jackie Pilossoph is the creator and Editor-In-Chief of Divorced Girl Smiling, the site, the podcast and the app. A former television journalist and newspaper features reporter, Pilossoph is also the author of four novels and the writer of her weekly relationship column, Love Essentially.

Does a divorce decree end?

Or, they go to trial and when that decision is made by a judge or jury, they are officially divorced. But, we all know a divorce decree isn’t the end of a divorce. A divorce never ends, in my opinion, especially when the couple has kids.

Can a divorce be finalized even if the divorce process was never completed?

Amanda's Question: My ex and I separated 8 years ago. We started the divorce process, but recently I found out it was never finalized. Does the divorce eventually become final after a certain amount of time?

How can I be sure the divorce is finalized?

Amanda's Question: My friend just went through a year-long divorce. We were waiting for the judge to sign papers and get them to her attorney so we could take care of all the important things like her pension and accounts (that was going to be the middle of the month). However she fell ill and passed last week.

Do all terms of the divorce need to be met before the decree is final?

Stacy's Question: Is a divorce decree not considered fully executed unless all terms have been met? For example, division of assets has not yet been completed as stipulated in my MSA. I have filed a motion for clarification and enforcement. Will this need to be completed for my ex-spouse to proceed with his planned wedding?

Am I married or divorced if I didn't file the divorce decree?

Madge's Question: If I filed for a divorce and have all the other papers, but did not file the divorce decree, am I still married or divorced?

The mediator says the divorce is finished but the court says otherwise

Rebecca's Question: My husband and I were ordered to do parenting classes by Jan 4th. He didn't complete his. We also went through a mediator to separate property. I did get papers from the mediator about the divorce being finished as of October, but then also got papers from the court stating it won't be final until the classes are completed.

How do I find out what documents I need to finalize my divorce?

Sonia's Question: I recently had my online self-represented divorce trial in RI and everything was going smoothly until in the end when the Judge said that the divorce wouldn't be finalized until me and my ex-husband file two documents. The only answer I get when I asked which documents where needed was that I would find it at the domestic website.

Who writes the final divorce decree?

Penny's Question: My final divorce decree stated that all child support would cease in October of last year. My attorney said "I've never seen anything like this before. I haven't read this divorce decree and didn't write it". Who DOES write them, if not the attorneys involved?

What happens if you don't respond to a divorce petition?

Your spouse’s failure to respond will be treated as an agreement to your terms. You’ll have to prove to the court that you provided your spouse with proper notice of the divorce.

How to speed up divorce?

For some couples, divorce is often a long and painful process. But it doesn’t have to be. Your divorce can move forward amicably and at a reasonable pace. Even spouses who drag their feet in a divorce don’t necessarily control the process. You and your attorney can discuss ways to get your divorce going ...

How long do you have to wait to get divorced?

For example, in many states there’s a mandatory waiting period in a contested divorce. That period can force a couple to wait anywhere from 30 to 90 days from the time they submit their divorce paperwork to when the judge will sign off and grant the divorce.

How long does it take for a divorce to be uncontested?

However, in most cases one spouse files and serves a divorce complaint and the other spouse has 20 or so days to file a response.

What to do if you are not satisfied with your lawyer?

If you are not satisfied with the way the lawyer is handling your case, you can fire him. The lawyer should return your calls and reply to your emails promptly, send you copies of all important documents and letters, and keep you involved and informed.

How to discharge a lawyer?

You don’t need anything more than that. The best way to discharge your lawyer is in writing, either by email or by letter.

Can a lawyer withdraw from a case?

The lawyer will then have to receive permission from the court to withdraw from the case. Most often, the court will allow the withdrawal. There are, however, circumstances where the court might deny the request to withdraw – such as at a time when the case will shortly be going to trial.

Is divorce a life changing event?

Going through a divorce is a life-changing event. The outcome of the case can affect your life and the lives of the children for many years to come. Therefore, it’s important to have a good lawyer with whom you have a good working relationship. If that’s not the case, the lawyer should be discharged.

How to prepare for divorce?

If you’re thinking about divorce, you need to immediately begin to set aside money for the all the expenses involved. Make copies of all your financial documents and legal records before your divorce proceedings begin.

What is a good attorney for divorce?

An experienced family law attorney is often a good idea for situations where the divorcing couple has a large amount of assets, property or other complicated financial matters. In more contentious divorces, an attorney can make sure that your interests are represented in court.

Can you use your kids to manipulate your spouse?

This should go without saying, but unfortunately, it still happens, even unintentionally. Check your own behavior and don’t use your kids to punish or manipulate your spouse. In the end, this will cause resentment and have a negative impact on the relationship you have with your children.

Is it normal to want to tell someone about divorce?

Emotions are running high, it’s perfectly normal to want to let others know what’s going on in your life. You may desperately want support, you may not want to suffer in silence, or you may just want to punish your partner and embarrass them. This doesn’t mean that you have to keep your a divorce secret from everyone, you just need to decide who you tell and why.