Many individuals going through a divorce in their 20s and 30s assume the process will be straightforward, especially if they do not have a shared house or children yet. In reality, even seemingly simple break-ups can have their fair share of legal, financial and personal challenges. Here are some things to consider when working through an Alberta family law case earlier in life.
One of the most common misconceptions that younger couples have is that they do not need legal representation if they have a limited amount of property to divide. In reality, even with limited property, there is still a great deal of legal paperwork and process involved in a divorce. If one party has legal counsel and the other doesn’t, he or she could be at a serious disadvantage throughout the process. Knowing what to expect through all the stages of separation and divorce is a challenge, and there are many legal documents involved that should be reviewed by a family lawyer.
Couples who divorce later in life tend to have the benefit of at least some peers who have been through the same process. Younger divorcees may find that there are few others in their peer group who have ended a marriage, making it difficult to find support. Professionals can be a great source of information and support at these times.
Divorce as a young person can be difficult, but support is available. Depending on the issue, it may be helpful to work with a number of people: a counselor, financial advisor, support group and lawyer can all help with this process. When selecting someone to help with the many issues and processes that arise in a divorce, ensure they are trustworthy and certified to provide guidance in accordance with Alberta family law.
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