Dealing with a divorce can be stressful enough without having to endure additional complexities. Divorce can be one of the most traumatic situations of your life, especially if you were wronged by your partner. Many marriages end for many different reasons. It might not be anyone’s fault. If you are dealing with a complex divorce, it may be beneficial for you to reach out to a Kansas City divorce lawyer for help in figuring out your next steps. Your assets may be at risk.
You will want to hire an experienced divorce lawyer who can assist you in securing your assets in a complex divorce. Throughout the divorce process, you may be particularly upset and concerned about potentially losing your prized belongings during asset division.
The last thing you want is to lose a significant amount of your personal assets in a contentious divorce you never bothered to plan for. A complex divorce lawyer can help you make an effective plan to protect yourself.
What Is a Complex Divorce?
A divorce becomes complex when it involves a significant amount of high-value assets, business stakes, stocks, and certain intricate legalities that may not be present in a traditional divorce. Apart from the greater stakes and at-risk assets, the trajectory of a complex divorce is the same as a standard divorce. You will still have to divide assets according to equitable distribution and determine custody arrangements, and certain premarital agreements will be enforced.
Divorces are not uncommon in Missouri. In fact, the state has one of the highest divorce rates in the entire nation, according to information collected by the CDC. The divorce rate in Missouri as of 2022 was approximately 2.7 per 1,000 residents. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the marriage rate that same year was around 5.8 per 1,000 residents.
The stress of a divorce can be a lot to handle. If you need help during this overwhelming process, look to a local support group like DivorceCare.
Elements of a Complex Divorce
A divorce is considered complex when the stakes are higher, and there are more assets for one or both partners to lose. It is vital to understand the various potential elements of a complex divorce so you can better prepare yourself if it happens to you. Here are some specific elements you may only find in a complex divorce:
- Hidden assets: Regrettably, it is quite common for spouses to try and hide financial assets from the other spouse in a divorce. It happens even more frequently in a complex divorce. Hiding assets during a divorce is considered a crime under Missouri state law. If your spouse is caught hiding assets, they could face serious legal consequences and end up villainized by the court, which won’t help their position.
- High-value assets: One of the most important elements of a complex divorce is the various high-value assets at stake for either spouse. In Missouri, assets are divided according to equitable distribution, which ensures that each spouse receives a fair split of the marital assets. In a complex divorce, these assets may include investments, various bank accounts, real estate ventures, business ownership stakes, and stock options.
- Financial disputes: It is not uncommon for a financial dispute to occur during a complex divorce. In fact, it’s entirely possible that money was one of the strongest motivators for your divorce in the first place. When your spouse realizes they may not receive as much as they’d hoped for in the divorce settlement, they may react emotionally. Your divorce may also impact your current tax bracket, which you may want to look into further.
FAQs
Q: Should I Be Honest With My Divorce Lawyer?
A: Yes, it is very important that you are honest with your divorce lawyer. Your divorce lawyer cannot do their job effectively if they don’t know all the facts. Your lawyer is legally bound by attorney-client privilege, which means they cannot disclose anything you tell them. Tell them everything that could be relevant to your divorce, no matter how embarrassing or illegal certain situations may appear to be.
Q: What Are Some Advantages of Having a Divorce Lawyer?
A: There are many advantages to hiring a divorce lawyer. First and foremost, you will have someone by your side who understands the stakes and can provide you with consistent legal advice throughout. Having access to legal knowledge is extremely beneficial when setbacks in your case arise. Basically, you hire a divorce lawyer to handle the difficult moments in your divorce case. The right lawyer can make a considerable difference.
Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Missouri?
A: There is no telling how much a divorce lawyer may cost in Missouri. Every divorce case is different, with every case having its own contributing factors that will ultimately influence the amount your lawyer will charge for their services. These factors include the complexity of your case, whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, and your lawyer’s education and experience.
Q: Is a Divorce Lawyer Really Necessary?
A: Yes, a divorce lawyer is necessary, particularly in a complex divorce. When there’s so much at stake for you, you should not take the unnecessary risk of not hiring a lawyer to represent your interests. You could end up losing the bulk of your assets in an unfair settlement. The right lawyer can go through your proposed settlement to make sure your interests aren’t being ignored or disrespected.
Reach Out to a Divorce Lawyer Today
Facing a complex divorce can be a difficult situation to find yourself in. You may not know what to do next to protect yourself and your finances. You should consider speaking with an experienced divorce lawyer who can help you put a plan together and keep yourself protected.
The legal team at Stange Law Firm understands the inherent difficulties of a complex divorce. We can help you gather evidence that supports your position and build a strong case. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about how we can help you.
