There are a number of sources that provide divorce advice for women, many of which may have different priorities upon which they focus. However, all women have a number of rights that should be protected as a marriage ends and the divorce proceeding runs its course. In some cases, they can learn about their rights through online or library research. In other cases, they can seek arbitration or mediation in a divorce settlement negotiation. However, everyone may have reasons to consult an attorney at some point in the divorce proceeding to learn their legal rights and be sure they are being protected.
Women Key Divorce Rights
Every state has their own unique laws governing women’s rights in marriage and in divorce. Each person who is ending a marriage should either review their own state’s marriage and divorce laws or consult an attorney in their state to learn about their rights. In general, however, some of the key rights that every woman should be able to rely on include:
- Freedom from harassment or violence from their spouse
- Full disclosure and honesty about the property that belongs to each party as well as what belonged to the couple during the marriage
- Financial protection from their spouse accessing personal accounts or the right to obtain court orders protecting joint assets from abuse
- The right to request alimony or spousal support in the divorce settlement after full disclosure of their own financial status
- The right to seek custody of birth or adopted children in the marriage
- The right to seek mediation, arbitration, or a contested divorce if the circumstances warrant it
- The right to have access to their minor children during the divorce process unless there are signs of abuse or violence, which means those children generally cannot leave the state or move more than 150 miles from the other parent
- The right to expect their spouse to honor any and all court orders
Getting Legal Help with Rights of Women in Divorce
No woman should have to fear that she will not have her rights respected and protected during a divorce proceeding, no matter how strained her relationship with her husband. There are many measures women can take to protect their rights, but the first place to go when those rights are being threatened is to a skilled divorce attorney. They can advise a woman of any other avenues she should pursue to have those rights protected throughout the divorce process, or they can provide other experts that might be needed to mediate or testify in the divorce action.
