Going through a divorce is stressful, even if you know it is the right choice for you and your children. You have certain rights that you can bring up with your attorney as you go through the process of ending your marriage.

Alimony

Alimony was popular decades ago when men were the primary moneymakers in a household, and women were not working outside of the home a lot. Women were expected to be moms who stayed at home and relied on their husbands. But when a man and woman divorced, it was a lot harder for women to get a job because of the stigma associated with being a divorced woman. Not to mention the wage gap and the limited opportunities for women. So alimony payments were meant to help ex-wives receive monthly financial support, typically until they remarried. At one time alimony was automatically part of a divorce, but women are able to work nowadays. And some women earn more than their husbands. Alimony is determined by the facts, which are different in every case.

Equal Custody Rights

Another thing that women used to be able to assume that they would receive easily and without much contest is child custody. For years, women were the ones who received sole custody of children of a marriage, and children of divorced parents expected that they would only see their fathers every other weekend and on holidays. But men have the right to share their children with their ex-wives, and men are gaining more rights in divorce court to take care of their children. Your attorney can help you work out a schedule with your ex-spouse so that you can see your children and be a vital part of their lives by sharing equal custody.

Child Support

If you are getting a divorce, then it is important to discuss child support with your attorney to be sure that you know what you are receiving or are responsible for paying. A divorce attorney in Michigan can walk you through the process of developing the ongoing, periodic payments that will be made to support your child or children or receive them. Each state has its own application process, which is why you will need to hire an attorney in your state. Generally, the noncustodial parent must pay the custodian for the child’s basic living expenses. The payments can be taken directly out of your bank account to make them easier. If you need a divorce attorney in Michigan, then a firm such as lawfirmofvictoria.com can assist you and answer questions you have concerning your children.

Your Name

For a lot of women, being able to reclaim their maiden name after divorce, or to choose the last name from within their family, is an important first step in healing from divorce. This is a big decision that may be tied to your beliefs and identity, but if it is something meaningful to you then you will want to look into the avenues to assume your maiden name after divorce. Some women, however, decide to maintain their married surname for the sake of their children, and because their philosophy is that they are still family even if they do not live under one roof. This is a personal decision that you have every right to take your time with and to decide for yourself.