Working your way through a divorce can be one of the most frustrating and complicated events of your life, and that’s before you factor in the possibility of additional complexities. It’s common for people to experience severe emotional trauma from a divorce. Every marriage that fails does so for specific reasons, and no two divorces are the same. When a divorce ends up becoming complex, you should reach out to a St. Charles divorce lawyer for extra help.

When you get divorced, you should do whatever you can to protect yourself. It’s understandable to have no idea where to start, especially if you have never considered divorce in the past. Everyone who gets married does so with the idea that marriage is forever. Regrettably, not every marriage makes it to forever. The last thing you want is to end up losing significant assets because you failed to prepare yourself for the possibility of a divorce. A lawyer can help.

Why Hire a Lawyer?

There are many important reasons to consider when hiring a lawyer. Above all, you want someone with significant experience handling cases like yours who can provide you with consistent advice relevant to your situation. The multi-state legal team at Stange Law Firm can provide you with the resources you need to see your divorce through to the end and emerge relatively unscathed. We can provide you with a personalized approach and empathy.

Recognizing the various marriage and divorce rates in your state can make you feel less alone. Divorce is not uncommon in this country, or even in Missouri. According to fairly recent data gathered by the CDC, Missouri has one of the highest rates of divorce in the country at 2.7 per 1,000 residents as of 2022. The rate of marriage, however, remains moderate at 5.8 per 1,000 residents as of 2023, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Facing the complications of divorce can be a lot to handle on your own. There’s never any shame in asking for help during a difficult time. You may want to think about reaching out to a local divorce support group like DivorceCare or Singles Again. They can help you discuss your concerns, fears, and future. Talking to the right people can be greatly beneficial to your healing journey, especially if they have been through something similar.

Elements of a Complex Divorce

Divorces become complex when they involve various high-value assets. These assets often include much more than just a house or a bank account. They can include business interests, stock options, real estate investments, and more. 

These divorces are often contentious, as one spouse may feel entitled to significant assets. The stakes tend to be greater than in traditional divorces. Here are some of the most important elements of a complex divorce that could affect you:

  • Hidden Assets: It’s not uncommon for your spouse to attempt to hide assets in a traditional divorce. However, it may be far more likely that they’ll try it in a complex divorce, where assets may be plentiful. Hiding assets in a Missouri divorce is illegal, regardless of the value of those assets. If your spouse is caught trying to hide money, real estate, or anything of significant value, they could face serious legal consequences.
  • Financial Disputes: In a complex divorce, the driving force of the actual separation is often financially driven. Financial disputes are likely to come up throughout the divorce process. They may be used as a stalling tactic, or there may be some validity to them. When they do come up, you should reach out to your lawyer and start planning on how to settle them without losing your position.

FAQs

Q: Why Should I Be Honest With My Lawyer?

A: There are many reasons why you should be honest with your lawyer during a divorce. First and foremost, your lawyer can’t do their job effectively if they don’t have all the facts. That’s true in any kind of legal case, whether it’s personal injury, criminal defense, or a divorce. Your lawyer is there to help you overcome your case and succeed. They are also bound by the attorney-client privilege and cannot reveal anything you share with them.

Q: How Much Will My Divorce Cost?

A: There’s no telling how much your divorce may cost you. Every divorce case is different, with each case having its own contributing factors, details, and circumstances that will influence the overall cost to you. These factors include the complexity of your case, whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, and the amount your lawyer will charge you for their services. That’s not counting the potential loss to you in asset division or spousal support.

Q: What Advantage Does a Lawyer Bring to My Case?

A: The primary advantage that your lawyer brings to your case is experience. Divorce lawyers often encounter the same kind of cases repeatedly. As unique as you may feel your case is, there’s a strong chance your lawyer can adapt past winning strategies to it that they’ve used in the past. Having access to legal knowledge and hands-on experience can make all the difference as you deal with the ongoing complexities of your divorce.

Q: Will I Need a Divorce Lawyer?

A: Yes, there’s a likely chance you will both need and want a divorce lawyer for your case. The last thing you want is to go up against your spouse’s legal team by yourself, especially if you don’t have any prior legal experience. You will probably lose substantially. The assistance of an experienced divorce lawyer during a complex divorce cannot be understated. Reach out to somebody to discuss your options before it’s too late.

Contact a Lawyer Today

At Stange Law Firm, we can help you figure out your position in your complex divorce. We will do what we can to protect your interests, advocate for you, and make sure nobody takes advantage of you during this process. Contact us to speak to a valued member of our team about what we can do for you.