Enduring a divorce can be one of the most stressful times of your life, and that’s without considering additional complexities. The emotional trauma you could suffer from a divorce, particularly a contested one, cannot be understated. Marriages that fail do so for different reasons, and no two reasons are the same. When a divorce is complex, you may want to ensure that you have legal protection in place. A Des Moines divorce lawyer can help your case.
There’s nothing wrong with protecting yourself in a divorce. In fact, it’s recommended that you always reach out to experienced legal help when you are seeking a divorce. The last thing you want is to end up being taken advantage of by your spouse’s legal team because you failed to hire legal support of your own.
A complex divorce can leave you especially destitute if you don’t take the proper precautions to protect yourself and your assets. A good lawyer can help you with that.
Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
Complex divorces can get especially personal and vindictive, depending on the individuals involved. You will want experienced legal support to back you up throughout your case. The legal team at Stange Law Firm understands the significant stakes that may be at issue for you. Our multi-state team has helped numerous clients across multiple states navigate divorces that initially seemed insurmountable. We can provide you with a personalized approach to your case.
According to recent statistical information collected by the CDC, Iowa has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country at only 2.0 per 1,000 residents as of 2022. However, the marriage rate in Polk County is quite high at 5.9 per 1,000 residents as of 2023, according to recent data gathered by the state’s Health and Human Services Department. Recognizing the state’s divorce and marriage statistics may be beneficial, as it can help you recognize that you aren’t alone.
Navigating a complex divorce can be difficult and expensive. It’s okay to want to ask for help, and it’s also okay to want to handle everything on your own. If you do want help, you may want to consider reaching out to a local divorce support group, such as Second Saturday Divorce Workshops.
Talking to people who have been through a similar experience to yours can be greatly beneficial to your situation. Your lawyer may be able to provide you with additional support.
The Elements of a Complex Divorce
What makes a divorce complex is the presence of high-value assets. Sometimes, getting divorced is as simple as a calm discussion between two people and signing an agreement. At other times, when significant assets are at stake, a divorce can be complicated, drawn-out, and painful.
Complex divorces often involve business interests, stock options, and other unique legal complexities that may not be present in traditional divorces. The stakes are greater. Here are some of the different elements of a complex divorce:
- Hidden Assets: Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for your spouse to try to hide assets away from you in a complex divorce. When the assets are particularly plentiful, they may try to hide something to avoid it being included in a settlement. Hiding assets in a divorce is considered a crime in Iowa. If caught, your spouse could face serious legal consequences and risk being villainized in your divorce, which could help your case.
- Financial Disputes: In a complex divorce, money is often one of the driving forces of the divorce itself. It’s quite common for financial disputes to come up throughout the divorce process. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you determine the most effective ways to avoid such disputes. If your spouse’s settlement is less than they’d hoped for, they may react emotionally. Additionally, your divorce could have wider tax implications.
FAQs
Q: Is It Important to Be Honest With My Lawyer?
A: Yes, it is always important to be honest with your lawyer. Regardless of what your lawyer is helping you with, they need to know all the facts of your case, or they can’t do their job properly. The same is true with a divorce case. Your lawyer is bound by attorney-client privilege and cannot disclose anything you tell them to anyone else, including the police. No matter how illegal or immoral, tell your lawyer about it.
Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Iowa?
A: There is no telling how much a divorce lawyer may cost in Iowa, though they may charge you more for more complex cases. Everybody’s divorce is different, so their needs from a divorce lawyer are different too. There are many different contributing factors that will determine the amount your lawyer will charge for their help. Those factors include whether or not your divorce is contested or uncontested, as well as your lawyer’s own experience.
Q: What Are the Advantages of Having Legal Help?
A: There are many different advantages to having legal help throughout your divorce case. First and foremost, you want to have someone by your side who understands the legal complexities ahead of you. Having access to legal knowledge can be a particularly big help that you might not immediately think about. Having the right lawyer in your corner during a complex divorce may be the difference between a strong settlement and getting taken advantage of.
Q: Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer?
A: In a complex divorce, you will absolutely want a divorce lawyer by your side the entire time. You may have significant assets at stake. You shouldn’t take an unnecessary risk by not hiring a lawyer to represent your interests. Without legal help, you could end up losing a significant chunk of your marital assets, including business interests and more. The right lawyer can make all the difference as you deal with legal strife and personal attacks.
Contact a Divorce Lawyer Today
At Stange Law Firm, we can help you navigate the difficulties of a complex divorce and ensure that you are able to work through your divorce with the right kind of help. We can review your case, develop a comprehensive plan, and effectively manage your interests. Contact us to speak with a valued team member about how we can help.