One of the questions that West Virginia family lawyers are frequently asked is “how long do divorces take?” To answer this question, it can help to take a look at all the matters that need to be settled to finalize a divorce These details will be laid out in the final divorce decree, which will typically be signed by both parties and validated by a judge.
The details that will likely need to be determined in a final divorce decree include the following:
- Alimony: Also known as “spousal support” or “spousal maintenance,” these are the funds that are often paid to one spouse from another, usually as a result of a relationship where one party is financially dependent on the other.
- Division of property and debt: A final decree will lay out how assets, such as a marital home or bank accounts, are to be divvied up. Shared debt, which can include the mortgage, credit cards, or other liabilities held by a couple, will also be addressed in the decree.
- Child custody and support: If the couple splitting has shared children, decisions about custody and support will also be included in the decree.
Before finalizing a divorce, it is important to review it carefully with legal counsel. While people may be eager to end the marriage, it is important to only sign once the language is clear and complete. Finding a trusted West Virginia lawyer who understands every detail of a particular situation can make this review as straightforward as possible.
