Spouses and ex-spouses hope that once a divorce is finalized, everything is done. In contentious dissolutions, parties want nothing more than to be finished with everything and never see the inside of a courtroom again. Unfortunately, that is not often what happens.
At Lutz & Associates, our divorce attorneys know that for far too many of our clients, the last day of the divorce is often the first day of more arguments and disputes. Our Kent post-divorce dispute lawyers are here to help you through the first months after a divorce and work out the disagreements that may arise as you and your ex-partner navigate court orders and life apart. We have been working in family law since 1997 and have seen all sides of a divorce, so we know how to help you resolve your issues with minimal conflict and maximum results.
What Are Common Post-Divorce Disputes?
After a divorce, former spouses are left with a court order called a marital settlement agreement. This document outlines what they must do regarding division of property, child custody and visitation, and sometimes stay-away orders and other injunctions. Matters covered in the agreement may include:
- Child custody: Courts must consider the best interests of the child when writing or approving visitation and custody agreements, though this may leave one parent with less visitation than they desire
- Child support and spousal support: Some payor spouses pay willingly, some do not, and some pay their ex-spouses directly, which is a violation of state law
- Property division: The agreement explains how the parties must divide their property, but not how or when it should be done, meaning parties may need to return to court for specific orders on when houses must be sold or personal items returned
- Injunctions: In domestic violence cases, settlements may include permanent restraining orders or other injunctive relief for one or both parties, and these may require court enforcement
The Kent lawyers from Lutz & Associates, P.S., readily handle post-divorce disputes over any of these matters. In many cases, arguments arise from a lack of communication. We could work with the parties to resolve differences without further involving the courts.
How We Help With Post-Divorce Disputes
When you come to our Kent offices for help with a post-divorce dispute, our legal team gathers certain information to plan a resolution strategy. Start keeping notes about the causes of your disputes and what you believe could resolve them.
If the dispute involves property division or child support, describe the steps you have taken to acquire the property or enforce the payments, as well as what should have been done already and by whom. Consider whether there are factors beyond your ex-spouse’s control. For instance, in a depressed housing market, selling a home will take time. All they can do is put it up for sale. Are they struggling with meeting child support payments? Consider that, according to 2023 Pew Research, divorced men are less likely to be employed than married men, and maybe job loss has resulted in a need for modifying payments.
In child custody cases, specify the cause of the dispute. If you believe you should have more time, explain why, and list the steps you have taken to bring the matter to the other spouse (if possible). If the times and days of visitation are not reasonable, be prepared to offer an alternative schedule. All of this information helps us build a strategy to bring a conclusion to disputes that satisfy both parties’ goals and protect any children you may share.
Contact a Kent Attorney for Your Post-Divorce Dispute
Even if you had an uncomplicated divorce and handled it on your own, you should not try to manage any post-dissolution disputes by yourself. Working with a Kent post-divorce dispute lawyer is key to resolving matters between you and your ex-partner before they become larger and potentially litigious affairs.
At Lutz & Associates, P.S., we understand that you want to manage your own family life, but this is one area where you need legal advice. Trying to rewrite your custody agreement or support order is never a good idea. If you have post-divorce conflicts, we would love to speak with you. Call (206) 761-1272 or reach us online today.
