If you are a man facing the prospect of divorce, you may have a lot of divorce questions for men. Besides the usual self doubt and other questions that arise from a divorce situation, you may also wonder about what will happen next, and what type of legal issues may arise. There are also questions about financial issues, who will get what parts of the property, who will get custody of the children if any are involved, and how the whole thing is going to play out. Below are the answers to several frequently asked questions for men going through a divorce that might help to put your mind at ease about what happens next and about how to move forward.
Divorce Questions for Men
- One frequently asked question by men in a divorce is whether or not they can date while they are in the process of a separation or divorce.
The short answer to this question is “no.” Because of the nature of divorce proceedings, you are usually still considered to be married to your spouse until the divorce papers are finalized. At any point in the process, the other party can accuse you of adultery, and change the divorce from a no-fault divorce to one with fault grounds. In some states, adultery is even considered to be a crime punishable by fines and/or prison time. In addition, any appearance of adultery can be used against you with regards to custody of your children. It is better to avoid dating until the paperwork is finalized and the court has ruled.
- Another question frequently asked by men going through a divorce is whether or not they will have to pay alimony, also known as spousal support.
While the laws are different from state to state, most states impose a minimum standard after which you will have to pay alimony. The calculation is usually done based on a determination of the difference in income between the spouses, and, if a discrepancy of greater than 25 percent exists, alimony can sometimes be ordered by the court. Most alimony cases are short term and last only until the divorce is finalized, but some alimony can be ongoing and permanent.
- The third most frequently asked question that men going through a divorce ask is whether or not they will be treated fairly in custody hearings.
Most states recognize that a child needs both parents as an influence in his life, and have enacted laws to allow for equal time between spouses.
Getting Help
Divorce questions for men can be best answered by a qualified and experienced divorce attorney. Your attorney can assist you in protecting your rights, understanding the divorce process, and getting a fair divorce settlement when you end your marriage.
