My spouse served me with divorce papers

More divorce and separation situations

• Can we use one lawyer for both of us? Clarify whom the professional represents. A mediator, document preparer, or one spouse’s lawyer does not automatically represent both spouses.
• I need to change my name after divorce Check whether the judgment authorizes the desired name and which agencies require a certified copy or separate process.
• We reconciled after filing for divorce Reconciliation does not automatically close a pending case or cancel temporary orders.
• I need money for rent, utilities or a lawyer during the case Ask about temporary orders addressing support, expenses, use of property, or legal fees.
• We have joint credit cards and loans Dividing responsibility between spouses does not necessarily release either person from a creditor’s contract.
• We agree on everything and want an uncontested divorce Confirm that “everything” includes property, debts, support, retirement, insurance, taxes, and all child-related issues.
• My former spouse is ignoring the settlement or judgment Compare the conduct with the exact written terms and ask about enforcement in the issuing court.
• Who claims the children on tax returns? A family agreement and federal tax eligibility rules are not the same thing.

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