Specialized Divorce Circumstances
Find guidance for specific divorce situations and special considerations.
Special Divorce Considerations
Legal Separation
An alternative to divorce where couples remain legally married but live separately with court-ordered arrangements for finances, property, and children.
Learn About Legal Separation →Child Custody
Information about legal and physical custody arrangements, parenting plans, visitation schedules, and how courts determine the best interests of the child.
Explore Child Custody →Alimony & Support
Guidance on spousal support/alimony, including types of support, factors courts consider, duration, and tax implications.
Learn About Alimony →Divorce with Children
Special considerations when divorcing with children, including co-parenting strategies, child support, and helping children cope with divorce.
Divorce with Children →Divorce Costs
Breakdown of typical divorce expenses, including attorney fees, court costs, mediation expenses, and strategies for managing divorce costs.
Understand Divorce Costs →Divorce Timeline
Typical divorce process timelines by state, including mandatory waiting periods, court processing times, and factors that can extend or shorten the process.
View Divorce Timelines →High-Asset Divorce
Special considerations for divorces involving substantial assets, business interests, investments, or complex property division.
High-Asset Divorce Guide →Military Divorce
Information about divorces involving active duty or retired military personnel, including jurisdiction issues, military benefits, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
Military Divorce Guide →International Divorce
Guidance for divorces involving international elements, such as spouses living in different countries, foreign marriages, or cross-border custody issues.
International Divorce Guide →Find State-Specific Information
Select your state to find specific guidance for your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child custody determined in a divorce?
Courts determine child custody based on the "best interests of the child" standard. Factors considered include each parent's ability to provide care, the child's relationship with each parent, stability, and in some cases, the child's preferences (depending on age).
What factors affect alimony awards?
Courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, age, health, standard of living during the marriage, contributions to the marriage (including as a homemaker), and financial needs when determining alimony.
How long does a divorce typically take?
Divorce timelines vary significantly by state and circumstances. Uncontested divorces can be completed in as little as 1-3 months in some states, while contested divorces involving complex issues like custody or high-value assets can take 1-2 years or longer.
What's the difference between legal separation and divorce?
Legal separation allows couples to live apart with court-ordered arrangements for finances, property, and children, but they remain legally married. Unlike divorce, legal separation doesn't terminate the marriage, allowing couples to maintain certain benefits while living separately.