In legal terms, marriage is both a legal contract and a social institution, establishing a formal union between two individuals and creating specific rights and obligations. Divorce, on the other hand, is the formal, legal process of ending a marriage, which dissolves the legal responsibilities and bonds between a couple.
According to Paul Amato, a sociologist and top divorce rate researcher in the United States, the lifetime risk of divorce at the end of the 20th century is estimated to be between 42% and 45%. Data from the CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics System shows that out of the 2,041,926 marriages reported in the United States in 2023, 672,502 (32.93%) ended in divorce or annulments, excluding data from five states (California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, and New Mexico).
This is why a divorce lawyer has a tough job. It can be emotionally draining for them at times as well.
The law practice of a divorce attorney primarily centers on representing clients who are contemplating dissolving or divorcing their marriages. Depending on the type of case and its complexity, a divorce lawyer may perform a wide variety of tasks, including helping to divide assets, settling spousal and child support issues , and making child custody arrangements.
A divorce lawyer spends a great deal of time communicating with clients to elicit information about the case for motions and other paperwork that need to be drafted and filed. Also, the attorney must discuss the results of hearings and strategize about the next steps in the case. Due to the emotional nature of divorce cases, communication with clients is often prolonged, requiring divorce attorneys to become skilled at scheduling and managing client meetings. Such meetings can be held in person or conducted over the telephone.
It’s tough being a divorce lawyer, but the good thing is that Atty. Mellany Marquez-Kelly has the experience and compassion to help you navigate the successful legal resolution of your divorce. She is an experienced divorce lawyer Cape Coral and Fort Myers, FL, clients trust. With her FREE half-hour initial consultation, she can help you explore the legal options available to you.
Attorney Marquez-Kelly is a graduate of Bishop Verot Catholic High School, in Fort Myers, Florida. She earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida in the year 2002.