Every year, there are almost 700,000 divorces in the US. Unfortunately, not every marriage ends in “happily ever after,” no matter how much you try.

Sometimes, the best decision is to go your separate ways. But getting a divorce can be daunting and confusing, so your head’s swirling with questions.

Thankfully, others have paved the road before you, which can relieve some stress. Below are four common questions about divorce that may help you in your own proceedings.

1. How Much Does the Process of Divorce Cost?

This is perhaps the most asked divorce question, but there’s no simple answer here.

The cost will depend on how complex your case is and if your spouse is contesting the divorce. For example, if the two of you own a house and business, and have shared kids, plus one spouse is contesting the divorce, then it’ll cost more than a couple that has no assets or children, and is divorcing amicably.

2. How Long Does a Divorce Take?

Again, this is a commonly asked question, but the answer is different for everyone. Using the examples from above, the divorce proceeding for the first couple will last significantly longer than the second’s.

If a party is persistent in disputing the divorce, then expect the process to take much longer to resolve.

3. How Is Property Divided in a Divorce?

All property is considered marital property, so it must be divided equally between the two of you. The exception is if you can prove that something is separate property, meaning you owned it before the marriage or you inherited or were gifted it with no involvement of your spouse.

You might be wondering: are separate accounts marital property? In short, accounts opened after the marriage are marital property, so those need to be divided.

4. Will I Get Spousal Support or Have to Pay It?

The answer to this question will depend on which state you live in. For example, if you live in Texas, then there’s the possibility of spousal support on the table. However, there are stipulations to receive it; you need to be lacking in income, and the marriage needs to be at least 10 years old.

In general, the dependent spouse should receive spousal support. They’re considered dependent if their income is much lower than the other spouse’s, and need them for support and maintenance.

A lawyer can better advise you on whether you can get spousal support and how to go about it.

Got More Questions About Divorce?

Understandably, you may have more questions about divorce, even after reading this article.

To ensure you have a good grasp on things, it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer. They’ll be knowledgeable on divorce law, and can answer all your questions. And if you decide to go through with the divorce, you’ll have a reliable professional already.

If you found these divorce questions helpful, then keep learning by checking out the rest of our blog page.