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Trusted Lawrence Divorce Lawyers Here to Help You

Joseph, Hollander & Craft’s Lawrence divorce lawyers know that ending a marriage is emotionally stressful. We want to make the legal process as stress-free as possible. We endeavor to support and guide our clients through their divorce proceedings by learning about their needs and developing a case plan suited to their objectives. When you are making significant decisions for your finances and your children, we are your counselors and advocates—dedicated to advising you on your options and protecting your rights.

On Your Side In Your Divorce

JHC’s Lawrence divorce lawyers represent clients in divorce proceedings that run the gamut from simple to complex. We have assisted clients with everything from uncontested divorces where spouses agree on all matters to highly contested divorces requiring court involvement at every stage. Regardless of your particular situation, we will assist you and get your divorce finalized. In order to reach the finish line to finalize your divorce, several issues have to be resolved.

• Property Division. All marital property is subject to division in a divorce. The Kansas standard for property division is “fair and equitable,” and different factors are evaluated to determine the division of marital property. JHC’s Lawrence divorce attorneys can help you determine what is deemed marital property and what is not in the eyes of the court. Common property subject to division in a divorce proceeding may include your home, bank accounts, pensions and other retirement plans, and businesses. Debts will also be divided using the fair and equitable standard. JHC’s Lawrence divorce lawyers can manage the legal issues associated with your specific asset and debt division in your divorce case. Often, complex issues can arise in high net worth divorces or when businesses are involved. Our divorce lawyers will carefully examine all the relevant facts and documentation to understand your goals and determine the best legal strategy for your case. At the conclusion of the divorce, we can assist you in the transfer of assets by preparing titles or deeds.
• Spousal Maintenance. Spousal maintenance is a court-ordered sum one spouse pays to the other. Spousal maintenance is also referred to as alimony. It is determined based on the need of the party requesting spousal maintenance and the ability of the other party to pay. The intent of spousal maintenance is to provide additional financial support for a spouse who may not work outside the home or who has a lower income. Our Lawrence divorce attorneys know the factors a judge will weigh when examining a request for spousal maintenance. We can help you determine whether to ask for spousal maintenance in your case and advise whether spousal maintenance is likely to be ordered.
• Child Custody, Residency, and Parenting Time. During a divorce, topics surrounding the minor children are generally the most difficult and emotional for parents. The court will make orders in your divorce regarding legal custody, residency, and parenting time. These orders will determine who makes decisions regarding your child’s education, medical treatment, and religion; where your child will reside; and what each parent’s time with the child will be. The standard the court uses to make these decisions is in the best interest of the child. Parties may also come to agreements on these issues without appearing before the court. Our Lawrence divorce lawyers will provide compassionate counsel as you navigate these decisions and negotiations. We will listen to your family-specific goals and concerns and give you honest advice on these sensitive topics.
• Child Support. A child support order requires the non-residential parent to pay the residential parent a monthly sum to provide for the needs of the minor child. To calculate child support, the Kansas Child Support Guidelines require consideration of each parent’s income and several other factors, such as health insurance and childcare costs. Various aspects of child support can be negotiated between the parties, such as payment of direct expenses, special needs, and time of payment. Kansas courts have jurisdiction to modify child support orders, provided there has been a material change in circumstances. JHC’s Lawrence divorce lawyers assist parents through the child support process during and long after a divorce. We will advise you regarding how child support will be calculated, whether any special circumstances need to be considered in the child support worksheet, and ultimately guide you to a fair outcome for your child support order.

Our Lawrence Divorce Lawyers: Nimble Negotiators and Able Advocates

Our Lawrence divorce attorneys will work diligently to negotiate an agreed outcome in your case, but we will not roll over when it comes to protecting your rights. Everything we do in your divorce case will focus on your best interest and the best interests of your family. An agreed resolution can reduce the length of your divorce case and save you money in the long run. If a reasonable settlement seems within reach, we will undertake appropriate negotiations—sometimes with the assistance of a mediator. However, if a settlement is not reachable, our Lawrence divorce lawyers will passionately advocate for you in court and ensure your interests are protected.

If you need a divorce law firm in Lawrence, Douglas County, or the surrounding area, call JHC today.

FAQs 

In a divorce case, does it matter who files first?

While filing for divorce does not give you more rights than your spouse, it may give you an advantage in the divorce process. When a party files for divorce, particularly when there are children involved, they also file for temporary orders. These orders state your requests for who will remain in the marital home while the case is pending, establish child custody and parenting time, and establish financial support through child support and spousal maintenance. While these orders are not permanent, they may benefit the party who files first to get their requests in front of the court.

Filing first may also be beneficial if more than one county or state has jurisdiction over the divorce proceeding. The person who files first may choose where to file, which then determines what jurisdiction will hear the divorce proceedings.

Lastly, filing first may provide more time for you and your lawyer to prepare for what lies ahead.

How long does a divorce case take?

Divorces can take anywhere from a couple of months to several years. Uncontested divorces typically proceed much faster than contested divorces. Parties with several disagreements may find themselves in court more often and for longer periods of time. Even when a divorce is finalized, parties often find themselves back in court on matters of parenting time, residency, or child support.

Kansas law requires a minimum waiting period of 60 days between the filing of a divorce petition and the decree of divorce. This waiting period applies to both contested and uncontested divorces in an effort to prevent a spouse from acting impulsively.