It’s easy to feel alone when you’re filing for a divorce. Legal representation can make sure you have little else to worry about.

Divorce is unique for its inherently messy process. You have child custody to consider. Financial assets to rearrange. Perhaps you’ve been put in the troubling spot of analyzing the aftermath of domestic violence. Whatever is keeping you from making progress, family law advice is a resource that can put the puzzle pieces together. Before you commit to any one decision, learn more about what the best lawyers can do for you and your family in your time of need by looking at the list below. Even knowing what to ask an attorney can help you breathe easier.

Marriage

Did you know around 40% of first marriages will end in a divorce? This rate fluctuates noticeably, causing researchers and lawyers alike to analyze the curious trend of the type of marriage and its effect on longevity. Third marriages have been found to be some of the most likely to end in a divorce at 70%, with fourth marriages increasing exponentially. The average length of an American marriage is 10 to 11 years and 90% of divorces will be settled outside the court. No matter your situation, this should give you an idea of what you’re up against.

Divorce

With divorce on the rise, you won’t have to look far to find legal representation that can offer a helping hand to your family. The United States sees over 800,000 divorces every single year, tallying up to a divorce every 36 seconds or so. An estimated 30% of failing marriages will also involve couples with children under the age of 18. Family law questions should be written down beforehand to take some stress off your shoulders when you meet with a family court lawyer. This can include questions regarding court hearings, asset relocation and child custody.

Child Custody

Children feel the ramifications of divorce just as much as the parents do. It’s thought as many as one million children are involved in divorce proceedings each year, with the majority of children at 70% living with their mother either mostly or exclusively. This decision can sometimes be postponed by parents due to understandable fears about the long-term effects of divorce on a child’s mental health. Although nobody knows your situation better than you do, it can help to have an outside party offer legal advice to help you make the best choice possible for you and your child’s future.

Domestic Violence

Divorce originates from many different reasons. Some financial, some a lack of compatibility. Domestic violence, however, is a serious offense that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible for your safety. It’s estimated one out of every four women will be the victim of domestic violence at some point, which includes physical abuse, emotional abuse and financial coercion. The American Sociological Association presented a study back in 2015 analyzing the social influence of marriage, finding nearly 70% of women in heterosexual relationships initiating the end of a divorce. Legal representation means you don’t have to fight an uphill battle.

Questions To Ask Your Attorney

A little information on lawyers in your area will get you on the right path toward receiving the help you need. Family law is a field dedicated toward bringing families together or helping them move on in favor of a fresh start. Should your case involve domestic violence or a restraining order, more pertinent questions need to involve your safety. General questions should touch on issues of finances, personal assets and visitation rights. Keep in mind there’s no such thing as a silly question and family lawyers are happy to assist you as best they can when providing you legal representation during these tough times.