A divorce decree is a final judgment issued by a court that legally dissolves a marriage. It is a legal document that outlines the terms of the divorce and marks the official end of the legal relationship. If you are seeking a divorce it is crucial that you understand the importance of the divorce decree and the purpose it serves. If you are getting divorced contact a Farmington Hills divorce lawyer for more information and legal counsel.
What is Found in the Divorce Decree?
The information contained within a divorce decree can vary depending on the details of the situation. Every relationship is unique so there is no one solution for the dissolution of every marriage. Whether or not the couple shares children will affect the details of the decree, as well as financial and other information. The following is generally found in a divorce decree.
- The full names and identifying information of both parties
- Details about the marriage including the date of the marriage, the date of separation, the reason for divorce, context regarding the termination of the relationship, and more
- Information regarding the division of property including how the family home will be split, which spouse will receive other real estate, bank accounts, cars, artwork, jewelry, and any other marital property
- A name change for either party, if they wish to revert to their former surname
- If applicable, spousal support obligations, the amount, and frequency of payments
- If applicable, a child custody agreement and schedule
- If applicable, child support obligations, the amount, and frequency of payments
The above and more can be included in the divorce decree. It will be customized to suit the individual needs of each couple.
What is the Importance of the Decree?
A divorce decree is one of the most important documents issued during the termination of a marriage. The most obvious reason is that it is the official document that legally ends the marriage. It provides the final judgment of the court and allows both parties to move on and begin abiding by the new terms of their relationship.
It also acts as a legally binding document that enforces the terms of the divorce. This means that if one party fails to comply with the conditions of the decree, the other party can go to court seeking enforcement.
It can also be beneficial in record keeping. The decree is necessary when updating legal documents like a will, insurance policy, etc. Having the divorce decree ensures that you have an official record of the settlement.
The divorce decree is also important because it facilitates certain future or potential legal matters. If you want to get your name changed later on, adjust custody or support payments, reassign property, or change financial responsibilities having the decree can help you accomplish those tasks.
Contact a Skilled Divorce Lawyer
There is a multitude of moving parts that must be addressed during a divorce. It is crucial that the divorce decree accurately reflects the agreed-upon terms and conditions of the dissolution of the marriage. Work with an experienced attorney to ensure your rights are protected during the divorce process.