When you talk to friends or relatives about their particular experiences with divorce, you will likely hear a different story from each person. One person may have ended up with sole custody of minor children, and one may have received spousal support but another with similar work experience did not. How is it possible for similarly situated people to end up with different results under the same law?
Sometimes your friends or relatives do not tell you the full story. The laws provide guidelines for courts but ultimately the court must make determinations based on every couple’s individual past, present and predicted future. For example, while two mothers may have both stayed home for many years to care for children, one may receive spousal support because she doesn’t have the skills needed to find work while another may not get spousal maintenance because she had a successful job history before she left the work force.
There are many factors which alter each case enough to change the resulting order. Even experienced attorneys can make educated guesses regarding how a court will rule on specific issues but rarely can anyone guarantee exactly what a court decides. It is this unpredictability that should inspire parties to make a good-faith effort to reach their own settlement. When parties come up with their own settlement they take the unpredictability of the court process out of their personal futures and they can make decisions that are best for their individual families.
Getting Legal Help
Experienced Sacramento Family Law Attorney Hal Bartholomew can help you get through your divorce with respect and compassion. Contact Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP today for knowledgeable and respectful representation. Call us at (916) 546-4393.
