Work With A Johnson County Divorce Lawyer You Can Trust
Divorce presents financial, legal and emotional challenges that require informed decisions. A Johnson County divorce lawyer can guide you through Kansas laws governing marital property division, child support and child custody. With experienced legal counsel, you can protect your interests and pursue a fair resolution.
At The Lerner Law Firm, I have more than 40 years of experience as a lawyer. I have worked in courtrooms and businesses across 28 states. I take on tough divorce cases but also help people in other areas of family law.
What Is A Spouse Entitled To In A Divorce In Kansas?
Kansas follows equitable distribution in the dissolution of marriage, meaning courts divide marital property fairly, though not always equally. Marital property covers all assets and debts gained while married, no matter who owns them. Separate property, such as premarital assets, gifts or inheritances, remains with the original owner.
Courts look at several things to decide how to divide property. These include:
- Duration of the marriage
- Income and earning potential of each spouse
- Contributions of each spouse to the family or business
- Age and health of each spouse
- Concealment or dissipation of marital assets
- Tax consequences of property division
Knowing what counts as marital property is important for planning your finances after divorce. A Johnson County divorce lawyer can guide you through this.
What Disqualifies You From Alimony In Kansas?
In a Kansas divorce, courts award alimony, also known as spousal maintenance, based on specific factors. These factors include the financial need of the requesting spouse, duration of the marriage and ability of the spouse to achieve self-sufficiency. A short marriage or sufficient personal resources may prevent an alimony award.
Several factors may disqualify or limit eligibility for alimony, such as:
- Ability to earn sufficient income independently
- Short duration of the marriage
- Financial misconduct or concealment of assets
- Ownership of substantial separate property
- Failure to pursue employment or training
- Existence of a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
A Johnson County divorce lawyer can clarify how Kansas courts evaluate alimony in a dissolution of marriage and identify evidence that influences family law decisions.
Does It Matter Who Files For Divorce First In Kansas?
In Kansas, filing for divorce first does not change your legal rights. Kansas allows no-fault divorce, so you do not need to prove fault to get a divorce. However, filing first can give you some advantages. You can present your case first in court and help set the schedule for hearings.
Here are some reasons people file first:
- They can prepare their papers and financial details early
- They can choose the county if spouses live in different places
- They control the speed of the case
- They make the first legal arguments
- They might affect temporary orders for child custody or child support
No matter who files first, a Johnson County divorce lawyer can protect your interests from the start. Starting early with a lawyer keeps you prepared.
Schedule A Private Consultation Today
Divorce does not have to feel like a battle. Whether your case involves big assets, a business, or family law issues such as child custody or child support, I offer clear and honest advice. Call The Lerner Law Firm at 913-530-6490 or send me an email to schedule a consultation.