3 Major Factors That Can Complicate a Divorce

There are plenty of couples out there who may eventually come to the decision that it is time for a divorce. No matter what, a divorce will be a messy and often painful experience for both parties. However, it’s important to be aware of some of the main factors that complicate a divorce.

Debt

In any divorce, attempts are made to split things evenly. However, splitting debt evenly can be tricky. One thing that makes it complicated is the differing laws in each state. Some states simply split the debts evenly. Some determine what debts each individual brought into the marriage. In some cases, a judge may decide to split the debts depending on the assets. If someone has bigger assets, they might also get a larger share of the debt. Overall, it’s messy and it depends on each individual case.

Jointly Owned Property

Things become very complicated when it comes to dividing things that both spouses own. Property law is complex when it comes to splitting a jointly owned business. In some cases, the couple may come to an amicable decision and agree that one of them will become sole owner. It may even be possible for them to both agree to continue to run a business together. In other cases, things may not be so simple. The couple may not always come to an agreement and the law may not always be able to resolve issues.

Kids

For a couple with no children, a divorce is far more straightforward. However, once children are involved things can become complicated. Many will debate what is fair for each parent, but it’s also important to understand the ramifications divorce and separation will have on children. There is a great deal of trauma and emotional hardship that can befall the children during a divorce. Young children may become confused and more vulnerable. Some children blame themselves. Older children have a tendency to blame one parent or the other. If you have children and are going through a divorce, it’s important that you become aware of the psychological impacts on the children and how to help them cope in a healthy way.

While there are factors that cause issues, you shouldn’t try to make things harder. Don’t think of a divorce as something you can win. Both of you must try to come to an amicable agreement and recognize that it will be hard for each of you. Be aware of what factors will cause complications and try to work through them peacefully.

Read this next: 5 Things to Expect during the Divorce Proceedings

Areas of the Law You Should Consider Studying

Lawyers in any field really have their work cut out for them and there are so many areas to specialize in. However, if you really want to make a difference then you should consider studying tax, family, or immigration law.

Tax Law

Tax lawyers deal with domestic and international disputes. Since there are frequent changes in state and federal codes, those in the tax law field are constantly learning and working on furthering their education. This also means that there is a constant need for lawyers in this field. You’ll be able to make a small difference in the financial world. Taxes can be confusing and your help as a tax lawyer can help struggling businesses or families get through a difficult situation.

Family Law

A family lawyer covers numerous matters, including divorce and custody disputes. A lawyer has an important job and a family lawyer’s job is even more important because it often involves children. Family lawyers can typically work in smaller firms and specialize in many different areas. They practice law for child abuse, legitimacy, civil unions, and anything marriage related. This is a difficult but rewarding area. It can be extremely emotional for clients and they are usually at their most vulnerable so they will need a lawyer that will be able to speak on their behalf.

Immigration Law

Immigration issues these days are high. There’s a major need for immigration lawyers. They work with individual clients with many issues. This includes people such as asylum seekers and individuals in the country illegally. An immigration lawyer is there to help immigrants through so many difficult scenarios that may come up just by being in this country. Being knowledgeable in immigration law will help you to help them. What you say in court may affect the rest of your client’s life. It’s critical to love this area of law and really know what you’re doing. The rewards from your hard work are immeasurable.

Being a lawyer is hard work so it’s important to choose an area of law that means something to you. Many lawyers choose their field because they have had a personal experience that drove them to choose it. There are so many fields to choose from. But, ultimately, any field you choose will end up making a difference in the world.

Read this next: 5 Reasons You Need a Lawyer for Your Contracts

How to Keep Your Legal Skills Sharp

Law school teaches you practical skills you will use for the rest of your legal career. However, it can be easy to go through the motions and dull your legal skills without practice. Here are a few ways to keep yourself sharp when it comes to legal processes.

Branch Out

If you are not feeling satisfied in your form of law, you might want to learn about other branches of legal study. Though you might not want to head back to law school, educating yourself online can inspire you to test your law skills in situations you are not accustomed to. This fresh outlook can inspire you.

Ask another lawyer what case they are working on. Find ways to learn about the recurring issues that face different practices. Read law journals that delve into cases you want to learn more about. There are many ways you can test your skills and constantly learn.

Keep Up with Legal News

Keeping up with the most recent legal news can also keep your mind primed for legal skills. Bookmark the law section of your primary news sources. Consider listening to as many outlets as you can to understand both sides of an issue. If you are not satisfied with the mainstream news outlets, try out podcasts.

There are many great podcasts that talk about legal current events and advice for law professionals. They can be more satisfying than news sites because they are able to delve into the topic deeply and descriptively. Download podcasts from different sources to try to find the perfect one for you.

Think Critically

Law school emphasizes the importance of critical thinking. This skill might sound like something you are doing day-to-day, but ‘going through’ the motions is an absence of intention and deep thought. Think about your personal values and the reason why you do specific actions. What was your goal in developing a legal career? Why is it important to you?

Everyone uses their internal value system in their everyday life. Plans to benefit others are caused by critical thinking. Thinking about legal situations and formulating your arguments is a great practice to develop. This is a great way to sharpen your mind.

Casual thinking dulls your skills over time. By making sure you listen to excellent legal minds, you can test your own ideas and strengthen your legal arguments. These develop your critical thinking abilities, and reestablish your love for the process of law. You should never stop learning.

Read this next: Can Christian Lawyers Be Personal Injury Attorneys?

Growing Industries with Regulatory Hurdles

Cannabis, vaping, and tobacco are growing industries that are constantly adapting. Tobacco causes health problems, cannabis can help with health problems, but vaping is still new and unknown. Each of these growing industries faces regulatory hurdles in distribution, sale, and creation in order to protect the public.

Cannabis

Since it’s a rapidly growing industry, the cannabis industry still faces many regulations. There are both state and federal regulations, whether it’s being used recreationally or medicinally. The federal regulations all stay the same but each state is different. For example, in Arizona, it’s legal for medicinal use but not recreational and they have their own regulations in place to accommodate this rule. Illinois requires a detailed security plan to prevent theft and unauthorized access. This is a common regulation. Cannabis can be expensive and avoiding theft will help protect those that are selling it. Cannabis is still a growing industry and facing many new and challenging legal hurdles and problems.

Vaping

Vaping is still a very new industry and there are a lot of unknown factors involved. No one can assure the health benefits or issues that may arise from repeated use. One example of a regulatory hurdle that the vape industry has to deal with is that many social media sites prohibit vape advertising on their platforms. This causes an issue with finding good places to market their product. Anything that includes nicotine, which many e-cigarettes do, must include a nicotine addictiveness warning on the package. These, and many others, are all regulations that need to be met by those in the vaping industry.

Tobacco

Tobacco isn’t expected to still be a growing industry but in the last few years, it’s been on the rise. It’s expected to grow even more within the next five years. It has been proven that tobacco causes many health problems including heart disease, cancer, lung issues, and many others. Since tobacco can be harmful to the user and those around them, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act gave the FDA authority to regulate the creation of tobacco products. These regulations are in place to keep the public safe.

Any industry faces many rules and regulations but these growing and slightly controversial industries face more than the average industry. Cannabis, vaping, and tobacco have many regulations in place to protect the public. That’s what rules do—they keep people and companies safe.

Read this next: CBD and the Law: What You Need to Know