Divorce is the beginning of a new life, and you deserve to start it on the best terms possible. As your Cullman County divorce attorney, we’ll help you through the:
At Hankey Law Firm, we’re here to help you through the divorce process, answer your questions, provide solid legal counsel, and fight for your interests.
Even amicable, uncontested divorces can become contested the moment you ask for equal division of a home or can’t come to an agreement on child custody.
We’ll do everything in our power to keep the mediation civil, but we’re not afraid to protect your rights and push back when a potential agreement is not in your best interest.
Are you going through a divorce?
Contact or call us at (256) 736-8744 to schedule a consultation.
Hankey Law Firm has been serving Cullman residents for several years, and we know the complexities of Alabama law. Our services are tailored to your unique situation, and we aim to help every step of the way. Our divorce services include:
Long-term partnerships are the goal of every couple. You build a life together, maybe raise children and save up for your golden years. A marriage of 20 or 30 years can come to an end just as easily as one that has just begun.
Statistically, the number of people over 50 divorcing doubled between 1990 and 2010, accounting for over 36% of divorces.
Among you and two other friends, one of your marriages may end in divorce. If it does, we’re here to help with:
You may even be able to claim Social Security benefits from your ex if you’ve been married for over ten years, so this is something we can explore together.
Your Cullman County divorce attorney must be prepared for a complex divorce if you have a high net worth. Divorces where substantial assets are involved can drag out and may include:
We’ll work to negotiate an agreement with you and your ex, taking every measure to avoid going to trial.
Every divorce includes the division of property and assets. If you’ve come to an agreement on all other terms of your divorce but need an attorney to work through the division of assets, we can step in.
We’ll work to come up with a fair and equitable division that keeps you and your ex happy.
Child support can be a contentious issue in a divorce, making the process even more complex and emotionally challenging. It is crucial that your children receive the support they need.
Although Alabama courts use a fixed formula to calculate support, issues can arise if a parent deliberately becomes unemployed or uses other tactics to circumvent child support obligations. Our attorneys will ensure that child support is calculated accurately.
We can also seek modification in cases where the amount is 10% higher or lower than it should be.
Modification occurs when major life changes happen:
Joint custody is the preferred option under Alabama law because children who have both parents in their lives do better following a divorce. Judges will always consider this arrangement before any other, but in rare circumstances, the judge may decide against equal custody.
We’ll fight by your side to maintain child custody and negotiate a favorable agreement in your divorce.
Marriage is a partnership, but often, one spouse will earn more than the other. One spouse may forgo a career to stay at home and raise the children. In cases like this, alimony – or spousal support – may be awarded.
Our attorneys will help you understand the types of alimony available and whether support will be a factor in your case.
The decision to end a marriage is not an easy one. Broaching the subject of divorce with your partner can be even more difficult. Where do you begin?
There is no easy or right way to tell your spouse you want a divorce. However, being prepared for the conversation can help.
Here are some suggestions:
Knowing what you will say and how you will say it can help you go into the conversation with more confidence. Outline the main points you want to cover in the conversation and consider even practicing your speech either in front of the mirror, with your therapist or with someone you trust.
Having a conversation about divorce is difficult. That conversation can become even more heated and emotionally challenging if you don’t choose your moment carefully.
For example, springing the idea of divorce onto your spouse first thing in the morning when the kids are around may not be the best approach.
Consider having this conversation:
There’s no perfect time to have this conversation, but you can make it less stressful if you choose your moment with care.
When explaining why you want a divorce or your feelings, use “I” statements instead of “you.” For example, “I feel like this marriage isn’t working for me anymore” instead of “You never did your share.”
Using “I” statements can make the conversation feel less like an attack on your spouse.
Along with preparing your speech, you should also prepare for your spouse’s response – it will likely be an emotional one.
Your spouse may feel blindsided, angry or stressed. Be ready for this type of reaction. Do your best to remain calm and avoid escalating the situation.
Telling your spouse that you want a divorce will not be easy, but it’s a necessary part of the process.
Yes, you can switch attorneys at any time during the divorce proceedings. If you find that your current Cullman County divorce attorney isn’t meeting your expectations, you can seek legal counsel elsewhere.
It’s not uncommon for parties to seek new legal counsel if:
Divorce is complicated and stressful. The outcome can have a significant impact on your life, so it is crucial to work with an attorney whom you trust and who will provide the level of service you expect.
Just keep in mind that the further you are into the divorce proceedings, the more complicated it will be to switch attorneys. However, if you are not confident in your current representation, making the switch will be worth the effort.
Ending a marriage is never easy. Having a trusted and knowledgeable advocate fighting for you can make the process less stressful.
No matter what stage of the divorce you’re in, the experienced attorneys at Hankey Law Firm can help. We’ll take the time to understand your situation and answer your questions, so you know what to expect and how the process will work.
Divorce is complicated. Don’t do it alone. Contact the Hankey Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
