Getting a divorce can be a difficult process. When combined with work, it can prove to be a burden. Not only can it be stressful and time consuming, but it can difficult when mediating all of the proceedings through a lawyer. But with the right lawyer, it doesn’t have to be.
Divorce lawyers are not all standard — each has unique properties that makes them good at their job, dependent on their skills or the area of law they specialize in. At their core, divorce lawyers are family lawyers, mediating the events that precede the separation of a singular family unit. The question then is what do family lawyers do? And, more importantly, how does divorce for physicians work?
Taking A Bare Look At Divorce
If you’re going through a divorce, you should first know that you aren’t alone. Divorce is common in the United States, as the statistics show:
- 41% of first marriages in the U.S. end in divorce
- 60% of second marriages end in divorce
- 73% of third marriages end in divorce
- Of first marriages that end in divorce, they usually lasted 8 years
So if you’re feeling strange about your divorce, thinking that you might be stereotyped or stigmatized for it, know that it’s a common occurrence in the United States.
Preparing For Divorce: Questions To Ask An Attorney About Divorce
In preparation of divorce for physicians, you want to ensure that you have a lawyer that understands what you need. Consider asking your lawyer some specific questions, ones that determine whether or not they are right for a divorce for physicians:
- Consider their experience and ask them about past cases; your healthcare lawyer isn’t going to understand community law
- Similarly, ask if they’re comfortable representing a divorce for physicians, seeing whether they have the ability to get you what is deserved from the divorce
- Inquire if they’ll be able to properly evaluate, assess, and protect the assets of your medical practice?
- See how long they think the divorce procedures will take (the average divorce lasts one year). This will allow you to plan out your procedures, ensuring you get all paperwork done ahead of time, all while running your business
- Ask if they’ll be able to settle for an uncontested divorce
What Is A Uncontested Divorce
Based off of that question, let’s explore what an uncontested divorce is. A divorce tends to consist of four issues: the division of property, debt, custody of children/pets, and payment of child support. While a contested divorce — what we tend to think of as normal — is where a couple will settle on a divorce in court, an uncontested divorce will reach a terms of agreement outside of court. Through the mediation of child custody, property, or debt, you and your ex-spouse can skirt the time that would be taken up by court, settling on a term of agreements you both find suitable for the divorce. This is especially beneficial for a divorce for physicians, as it can save you money and time, allowing you to continue focusing on your practice, all while protecting your assets without the opinion of an involved judge.
The Bottom Line In A Divorce For Physicians
By entering into agreements on a divorce with a spouse, you are putting your assets and business on the line, leaving the possibility for division between the two of you, all to unknown amounts. What you want to ensure is that both you and your practice is protected, ensuring that you can still work with ease, all while receiving what you want out of the divorce. The right divorce lawyer can provide you with such an outcome. It all just comes down to doing your research and finding them.