Denton Divorce Lawyer

Basic Information about Divorce

Divorce is a common part of society in the United States. Approximately half of all marriages end in divorce. But what exactly—legally and technically, that is—is divorce? Is there more one type? It is important to understand the basics of divorce, especially if you are considering it.

Divorce is the formal, legal dissolution and end of a marriage. Each state has different laws regulating how divorces proceed, but the nature of divorce is the same everywhere.

In the United States, there are two overarching categories of divorce. They are absolute divorces and limited divorces, known as divorce a vinculo matrimonii and divorce a menso et thoro, respectively.

• Absolute divorces require some proof of marital wrongdoing, for example adultery. This leads to a complete legal termination of the marriage, giving both spouses “single” status, officially.
• Limited divorces, on the other hand, as their name implies, are partial divorces. With limited divorces, courts terminate the right of couples to live together, but the couples are still officially married. Later, couples can get completely divorced if certain conditions are met.

Because absolute divorces reflect older values and laws, many states have no-fault divorce statutes that do not require some form of marital wrong-doing. Instead, couples just have to show that they have experienced “irreconcilable differences” that have caused serious problems for the marriage.

Speak with a Denton Divorce Lawyer

Although the divorce process has become more streamlined today, having an attorney can help a spouse meet her or his interests in a court of law. If you are considering divorce, hiring a lawyer can help tremendously. Contact the Denton divorce lawyers of Alexander & Associates by calling 972-420-6560 today.