Although the COVID-19 pandemic has brought people closer together with the shared goal of protecting others, it has also caused many married individuals to rethink their relationships. Whether it’s because of being stuck at home and realizing a spouse isn’t who you thought they were or it’s because the pandemic has led to a desire to get out and live a more full life, there’s no denying that the number of people considering divorce is on the rise in the age of COVID-19.
Of course, part of the problem in this is that there are always barriers to divorce, and the pandemic only serves to shine a brighter light on the hurdles people face when looking for a divorce lawyer. Many law offices are closed or are operating on a limited basis due to the pandemic. Furthermore, many areas are under travel restrictions that make it difficult to even get to an attorney’s office. Also, the stress of hectic work schedules can make it tough to even get into a divorce attorney’s office at a convenient time. Thankfully, these issues can easily be resolved when you search for a divorce attorney online.
The Benefits of an Online Divorce Lawyer
Online divorce services can take a lot of the hassle out of the process of dissolving a marriage, especially if you and your spouse have agreed upon the terms of the separation. This type of divorce is known as an uncontested divorce. In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse have already decided how you want to split things like shared property and real estate. An online divorce can benefit from this type of arrangement since it will make the process faster and more efficient as there will be little need to litigate anything. In fact, an uncontested divorce through an online divorce attorney likely means that neither you nor your spouse will even need to show up in court.
Choosing an online divorce lawyer is also a huge advantage when you simply want to be done with a marriage as quickly as possible. No divorce is instant, but going to court often means putting up with delays, especially with staggered schedules as a result of COVID-19 closures and restrictions. Using an online service means all of the paperwork for your case is prepared and filed for you, and in most cases, you simply have to wait for the judge to sign the final legal documents to be officially divorced.
Another benefit of searching for an online divorce service is that it can remove much of the emotion out of the situation. Even in the most amicable of circumstances, a divorce often takes a heavy emotional toll on both spouses. These high emotions can lead people to say and do things that are out of character, many times complicating the divorce process. When you partner with an online divorce attorney, he or she handles all communication, allowing you and your spouse the time to individually process the situation and find peace in the decision.
Potential Setbacks in the Online Divorce Process
While online divorce can often make the process faster while removing a lot of the emotional investment that comes along with marital separation, it should be noted that different states have different laws pertaining to divorce. In some states, you will need to have been separated for a specific amount of time before a divorce can be granted. Other states have different laws regarding what constitutes a legal marriage. This can become a sticking point in so-called “common law” marriages.
Additionally, if minor children are involved in a divorce case, you and your spouse may still need to work with a family court to create a legal custody-sharing arrangement. This is often the case even if you are both in agreement as to who will have custody. The reason for this is to not only protect your rights as a parent, but also to protect the wellbeing of your child or children. Custody can become complicated when an arrangement is based solely on a verbal agreement, so it’s usually best to have all custody agreements in writing and officially documented with the court system.
Your Divorce Attorney Will Provide Guidance
Because each marriage is unique and each divorce requires a personal approach, it’s good to know that your online divorce attorney will be able to provide guidance. When you work with an online divorce lawyer, you’ll have the ability to not only ask questions, but you’ll also have the opportunity to bring up any special circumstances that apply to your relationship. From there, your attorney will be able to give you options that address your individual needs, so never hesitate to speak up if you have questions or concerns. Remember, your divorce is personal to you, so there is no one-size-fits-all option, even when working with an online divorce legal service.
Search for a Divorce Lawyer Online
The good news is that there are a number of highly qualified divorce attorneys online who can handle your case right now. The first step in getting the peace of mind you deserve is to search for an online divorce attorney using your preferred search engine. While it is often recommended to look for a licensed divorce attorney in your local area or region, many attorney either hold licenses in multiple states or they partner with divorce attorney networks across multiple states to be able to provide fast, efficient and affordable legal services to a wider range of clients through the web.
As for how long an online divorce takes, timelines can differ based on the unique circumstances of each individual case. Depending on your situation, location and the nature of your divorce, you may be able to have the process completed and your divorce finalized in as little as a few months. In other cases, including in contested divorce situations, your timeline to completion may be longer. Only your attorney can provide you with advice and answers, so search online for a divorce attorney to get the process started today.
