Best Divorce Lawyers in Springdale, AR

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Springdale, Arkansas?

  The non-emergency contact number of the Springdale Police Department is 479-751-4542.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Springdale, Arkansas?

  The Springdale Police Department has three options for requesting an accident report.

  • Call (479) 751-4542 to get an accident report via phone. When you call, make sure you have the necessary information handy.
  • To get a report in person, visit the Springdale Police Station at 201 Spring Street, Springdale, AR 72764.
  • A police accident report may also be requested online via https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com.

• How do property and income shares work in a divorce in Springdale?

  In Springfield, the court initially determines marital and non-marital property. Inheritance, gifts to one spouse, and worker's compensation payments are considered non-marital property. Next, the court divides the remaining assets using these criteria:

  • How long they've been married
  • What each partner does for a living
  • The age, health, and stage of life of both parties
  • How much each partner helped get the marital property

  The court then decides where the balance of the marital property goes after both spouses go through a discovery procedure.

• How long does it take to file for a divorce in Springdale?

  In Springdale, a case's length depends on whether there are disagreements over alimony and property, child support, and custody. Your family's case may take many months or even years to resolve, and the divorce procedure will take at least 30 days. Arkansas courts encourage people who are getting a divorce to talk about things like child custody, dividing property, and other legal matters to help speed up the process. If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement, the court may decide on your divorce matters.

• How does alimony work in divorces in Springdale?

  Many people in Springdale who get divorced think they have to pay spousal support. Spousal support, or alimony, is not always part of a divorce in Arkansas; it is only given in some situations. One person might not be able to work. One partner may have paid for the education of the other or been a housewife for many years. Spousal maintenance may be given when one spouse makes a lot more than the other. It is then given to the spouse who makes less money.

• If a couple in Springdale isn't divorced yet, can one parent move with the child to another city or state?

  The situation might depend on whether or not there is a separation agreement or an interim order currently in place in Springdale. If this is the case, there may be rules that address the relocation of the child's primary abode. Otherwise, moving your children to another state may be legally permissible, but the court may not favor this.

• Can you change your divorce order in Springdale?

  Springdale court orders and divorce agreements can be changed. However, the difference between the present arrangement and the proposed one should be large enough to fulfill legal requirements and justify the time and money required to request the change. If a parent loses their job, child support payments could go down; and if their hours change, so could their visitation schedule. In such cases, you need to ask the court to change the sentence as soon as possible.

• What are the basic steps to filing for divorce?

  The steps required to file for divorce depend heavily on whether the divorce is contested, if there are minor children or property issues at stake, and if there are disagreements over child support or alimony. The process may also differ from state to state, but generally parties must:

  • File the divorce petition
  • Hire a process server to give the other party divorce papers/respond to the original petitioner's filing
  • Request temporary orders covering issues such as custody/visitation, support, and exclusive property use
  • Make financial disclosures
  • Request discovery from your spouse
  • Propose and/or consider a possible settlement
  • Go to trial if necessary
  • Receive a signed judgment from the court indicating the divorce is final
  • Address post-divorce tasks such as transferring property titles and closing joint bank accounts

• How much does it cost to get a divorce?

  The cost of a divorce differs dramatically based on a litany of criteria, such as whether the divorce is contested, where the divorce petition is filed, and whether the divorce requires a professional intermediary or other legal expert. A simple, low-frills DIY divorce can be as little as a few hundred dollars. Add in mediation and the cost may jump to the mid-four figures and can easily reach $7,000 or more. Hire a lawyer and you may pay anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ if there are major custodial issue or complex financial concerns.

• How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

  Most divorce lawyers charge by the hour and billing can vary dramatically. Some attorneys in more affordable markets and/or with less experience may charge as little as $75/hour. More experienced attorney or those who have large staffs, specialize in complex cases, or hold relevant certifications may charge premium rates in excess of $400/hour. Then there are the amount of hours invested; simple cases may be over in a matter of weeks while hotly contested divorces can drag on for years leading to lawyer's fees in the tens of thousands.

• How to choose a divorce lawyer/what to look for?

  Divorce lawyers are not one-size-fits-all. It's important to find a lawyer whose skill set, experience, and resources align with the demands of each specific situation. For instance, some attorneys will push mediation while others are naturals in the courtroom.

  • Know your budget
  • Limit your search to lawyers experienced in family law
  • Zero in on lawyers or firms that can handle the complexities of divorce, especially any issues that may be specific to the current case
  • Read reviews and ask friends for recommendations, but remember that their situations and needs may not be the same
  • Conduct interviews to see who feels trustworthy and can spell out an approach that feels appropriate
  • Try to ignore ad campaigns and office décor and instead consider track record and skills

• What is an uncontested divorce?

  An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on the major issues, such as custody of any minor children, child support, alimony, and how to divide any assets and/or debt. While uncontested divorces still require a judge to approve the terms of the divorcing couple's signed agreement, these relatively simple splits tend to move faster, cost less money, and are easier to execute without the help of a divorce lawyer. A divorce filing that goes unanswered by the non-petitioning party may also be considered uncontested.

• Can you file for divorce without a lawyer?

  It's possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, especially if the divorce is uncontested. Many states offer free divorce forms either online or at legal self-help centers located in or near family court. There are often dispute resolution resources available as well; mediation services can help iron out disputes over custody or financial support without involving lawyers. Still, a free consultation with a divorce lawyer can offer valuable insight, and contentious divorces, whether they go to trial or not, all but require legal representation.

• How long does it take to get a divorce?

  The length of a divorce is contingent on four things: each state's mandatory waiting period, whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, how quickly both sides can come to an agreement, and how quickly a judge is able to hear or review the case and sign off. The best-case scenario is an uncontested divorce in a state with a short waiting period which could see a divorce finalized in a matter of weeks. For divorces with highly combative parties, long discovery periods, and other complications, a decision could take months or even years.

• How to prepare for divorce?

  It's difficult to ever feel truly prepared for the rigors of divorce, but there are several steps that can make the process more bearable and allow for a more positive outcome:

  • Interview attorneys
  • Locate and make copies of important documents like mortgage and car titles, insurance policies, business licenses, financial records, bank statements, and income tax returns
  • Take inventory of valuable household items that should be considered later while splitting assets
  • Make a detailed list of monthly expenses, including utilities, rent or mortgage, childcare, kids' activities like sports or dance classes, school tuition, and insurance
  • Know what the respondent's income is, including any income from self-employment, stock dividends, and interest
  • Double-check credit history and evaluate both short- and long-term earning potential
  • Set goals for ideal custody arrangement, support amounts, and living arrangements
  • Get support from friends and family

• What to do with an engagement ring after divorce?

  Most courts follow state laws that consider an engagement ring to be the recipient's property once a wedding takes place, which means it remains that recipient's individual property even after a divorce. Other states categorize engagement rings as marital property and as such the ring is subject to the same division of assets as a house or art collection might be. For spouses who get to keep their jewelry, engagement rings can be sold, dismantled and repurposed, returned to the original buyer, or kept and handed down to any children the marriage may have produced.

• What is divorce mediation?

  When divorces get heated or even just have the potential to become messy, a neutral third party can help calm both parties and resolve issues without the need for a trial. This is called mediation. A great mediator is unbiased and invested in a balanced, fair outcome; they will ideally listen to both parties, encourage respectful discussions, and raise questions or concerns when appropriate. Once an agreement is reached, the mediator will prepare documents detailing the agreed-upon terms. Using a mediator only works if both sides are willing to meet and discuss a compromise, but doing so can save a considerable amount of time, money, emotional strain, and overall stress.