Divorce is a difficult process, and it is also a complex one. If you are thinking about filing, it is important to first make sure you are properly prepared. Starting the divorce process in an organized manner will make sure the case proceeds as quickly and smoothly as possible. It can also help you receive a fair settlement, and prepare you for life post-divorce. Below, our Missouri family lawyer outlines the best tips to practice when you are preparing to file for divorce.
One of the main goals during the divorce process is the equitable distribution of marital assets. To make these matters as simple as possible, it is important to thoroughly organize all of your finances. Collect pay stubs, income tax returns, information about retirement savings, and a list of marital assets that will all play a role in the property division process. Having these documents on hand will greatly help when resolving the property division issues in your case.
If you have shared credit with your spouse for many years during the marriage, you may find your credit score significantly drops after divorce. To prevent this from happening, obtain a credit card as soon as possible after deciding you want a divorce. Make sure it is in your name only, and you will start to rebuild your own credit score.
The chances are that if your spouse maxes out your joint credit card shortly after you file for divorce, the family law courts will not look kindly on them. They may determine that your spouse is responsible for all of the debt they incurred. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. To make sure that your spouse will not incur large amounts of debt that you could be partially responsible for, close all joint credit accounts. Rely on credit that is in your name alone.
Your finances will look very differently after divorce. Your household income will likely be lower, and you may have lost savings and other assets during the divorce process. To make life as easy as possible post-divorce, create a budget now to determine how many expenses you will have, and the income you will earn. By knowing what you will need to cover your daily expenses, you can start saving now.
Generally speaking, it is usually best to remain in the marital home during the divorce process. However, there are always exceptions to any rule and this holds true here, too. Speak to a Missouri family lawyer who can review the facts of your case and help you determine which option is best for you.
Your chances of obtaining a fair settlement are much better when you work with a Missouri family lawyer. Scott A. Hamblin is an experienced attorney who can advise on the most important steps to take, and help you through the process so you obtain the best settlement possible. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
A Jefferson City man faced DUI charges following a field sobriety test. Charges against the defendant were dropped after Scott successfully maintained the client’s claims that the test results were inaccurate. While the client initially appeared to be in a difficult situation, Scott was able to push investigators to determine the sobriety test results as invalid, so the charges were dismissed.
A mother was seeking sole custody of her children following a divorce. The father refused to cooperate, leaving the client in a difficult situation as she felt as though her children didn’t have a voice. Scott recognized her need for an advocate and carefully listened to the children’s wishes, which conclusively helped the client achieve sole custody of her children and protected their best interests.
A client from Fulton was accused of drug possession as a result of a home search. While drug charges may potentially be filed as a Class C felony involving severe consequences, Scott was able to help the client receive a reduced sentence. Ultimately, the client faced significantly smaller penalties compared to the initial charges.
Scott assisted a defendant in a particularly challenging divorce case in which the other spouse was not cooperating. Scott was able to help the client avoid court through an aggressive legal approach to resolve all outstanding disagreements while maintaining the client’s long-term needs.
One client sought legal assistance after an altercation with another individual in Jefferson City. The client was arrested on assault charges despite allegedly not starting the fight. Since an arrest can lead to life-altering penalties such as being terminated from employment and serving jail time, Scott was able to build a solid legal defense in the client’s favor and argued in favor of the client’s innocence.
A grandparent sought visitation rights to his grandchild after the parent tried to block him. Scott takes grandparents’ rights very seriously, and so he devised a strategy to help the grandparent set a visitation schedule. Scott developed a strategy to show that the child’s best interests were fulfilled through the grandparent’s ability to visit the child, helping push the case towards a resolution in the client’s favor.
Scott assisted a client who was injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence. The defendant claimed that the opposing party using their phone at the time of the crash, and Scott emphasized this claim to show that the other driver was at fault for the client’s injuries. The case concluded with the client receiving the necessary compensation for medical bills following a long hospital stay due to injuries.
Scott was honest, he was straightforward, and the best of all he was good at what he does. He's very knowledgeable and practices his craft well. I had a 10/10 experience with Scott and will trust no other attorney to handle my case.
Scott Hamblin is a great attorney. Between Scott and his legal assistant Madasyn, I felt like all my questions were answered promptly and thoroughly. Scott is very knowledgeable and was very well prepared for trial. I would recommend Scott to anyone needing an attorney.
Can't say enough good things about Mr. Hamblin and his team. They're responsive, treat your case like it's their own, and are personable as can be. Court can be daunting, but they are there to help you through every step of the tough process. Madasyn is part of this team and deserves to be recognized too, as she was friendly and encouraging from beginning to end. They handle it all with ease and you won't regret coming to them for help and advice along your journey.
10/10 recommend Mr. Scott Hamblin. Mr. Hamblin and his legal assistant Madasyn have been wonderful throughout my whole case and very prompt, and helpful the whole time. He was very thorough and left nothing missed during my whole case. Questions were answered quickly throughout the process whether through email, phone or in person. As well as the whole process was explained step by step. I highly recommend Mr Hamblin for any family law matters! I couldn’t of asked for better representation for my case.
I came across Scott Hamblin on the internet and read his bio and was very impressed. I have not been disappointed with his knowledge and understanding. If you are in need of a great lawyer, this is the call to make. You will not regret hiring him. Thank you, Scott.
Scott recently provided outstanding representation for my divorce. He was well-prepared throughout the course of the litigation and trial, resulting in a very favorable outcome for me. Scott is a very bright attorney who takes pride in his work, and it shows. He is truly in a league of his own.
Scott is a phenomenal attorney, no sugar-coating straightforward and to the point. As an older man I found myself in a custody case, and had little hope of any outcomes in my favor. This guy knows his law and his business, and is about it. His personality is soothing and his office is always on point. To say I’m ecstatic with his ability is an understatement.
Scott is the best attorney, hands down! My husband had a fairly difficult case, he had little hope that he’d be able to receive anything he was asking for and Scott helped him achieve everything, very quickly. He’s very professional, compassionate and understanding and works hard to help you achieve the best possible outcome. We are very thankful.
Scott came highly recommended by an attorney friend of mine after I received an unfavorable outcome working with a different lawyer in the area. Scott was smart, pleasant to work with, and achieved the best possible outcome for me. I only wish I would have used him sooner.
We had a very unique case. It was confusing and complicated. Scott stepped in, helped and guided us on our journey. He was knowledgeable, professional and very honest with us. I highly recommend him if you are put in a circumstance where you need an attorney. His integrity is amazing. The entire firm was wonderful to us.
For accessible and experienced representation, contact attorney Scott Hamblin today.