WHAT IS JOINT CUSTODY?
There is no single answer to this common question. Joint custody can be legal and/or physical custody. Physical custody is the term used to describe where the children actually live. Legal custody is the right to determine the child’s education, medical care, and other important decisions. True joint physical custody could mean children living with each parent, on alternating weeks. Joint legal custody could result in both parents being involved in educational, religious and health decisions regarding the children. If a divorcing couple wishes to have a joint custody agreement, they both must be committed to defining what the joint custody will mean to them and their children. Who has the final say in where the children go to school? What happens if the parents disagree over medical care? These are tough issues for parents in a single household and even more difficult when the parents are divorced. Except in rare instances, we have learned that one parent needs to be the final say regarding child raising issues, but that parent should always keep the other parent informed of important matters in the children’s lives.

WHAT IS ALIMONY?
Alimony is support paid after divorce to the ex-spouse. Unless there is a specific date terminating the payments, alimony is permanent until and unless the party receiving the alimony marries or lives with a person of the opposite sex. Alimony is generally awarded in the cases of long-term marriages in which there is a wide disparity in the earnings capacities of the parties. “Rehabilitative alimony” is a term given to a limited term payment, which is often done to provide a divorcing person the opportunity to be trained or educated in order to raise his or her earning capacity.

WHAT IS AN UNCONTESTED DIVORCE?
An uncontested divorce is a divorce in which the parties agree on ALL terms regarding ALL marital issues. Oftentimes, parties will tell lawyers that both the husband and wife want an “uncontested” divorce but there are differences on some issues. If everything is not agreed to, it is not an “uncontested divorce”.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE CAN’T AGREE ON ALL ISSUES?
The Judge determines what happens in divorces in which the parties do not reach complete agreement. If the parties reach partial agreement, the Judge may decide only the things that the parties can’t work out. It is best to reach agreement on as many issues as possible. Remember, that the Judge will hear only a few hours of testimony about a marriage, which may have lasted years. If you reach an agreement, you have some input into the final decision, which will impact your life for many years to come. If you and your spouse leave it up to a stranger (the Judge) the decision-making is out of your hands. There is a saying “A bad settlement often beats a good trial”. This is especially true in divorce cases.

HOW MUCH DOES A DIVORCE COST?
That question can be answered as easily as you can answer: “How much does a car cost?” It all depends on what you need and what you can afford to do. A truly uncontested divorce, which means that ALL issues are resolved before the court filing, will cost approximately $850 in this office. A divorce, which is not uncontested before filing, can lead to legal, court and investigative fees from $1,500 to many thousands of dollars. NOTE THAT THE LAW OFFICE OF FLOYD ENFINGER, JR. IS NOT THE CHEAPEST PLACE TO GET A DIVORCE!! There are many local lawyers whose fees are not as high as this office, and if finances dictate your decision, you should obtain legal advice from an attorney whose fee you can afford. THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR AN INITIAL IN-OFFICE MEETING WITH ATTORNEY ENFINGER.

HOW DO I GET STARTED IN OBTAINING A DIVORCE?
Call our secretary Pat Peevy and tell her you need an appointment to discuss a possible divorce.

DO I HAVE TO BRING MONEY TO THE FIRST OFFICE VISIT?
NO!! There is no charge for the initial office visit. If you decide to retain this office, Mr. Enfinger will discuss fees and expenses with you.