Christians hold marriage as sacred and divorce as a last resort. The apostle Paul emphasizes the significance of marriage, describing it as a reflection of the profound love Christ has for His church. In Ephesians 5:21, Paul urges believers to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. With this understanding, Christian couples enter into lifelong commitments. However, when a marriage reaches a breaking point, Christian individuals may find themselves contemplating divorce. Seeking guidance from a knowledgeable family law attorney does not indicate a commitment to pursue divorce. By selecting a Raleigh Christian divorce attorney who comprehends your values, you can make a more informed decision in line with your faith.
Navigating Christian Divorce: 4 Crucial Questions to Ask
If divorce becomes a consideration, ponder the following inquiries:
Does my attorney share my values and approach toward divorce?
Most family law attorneys focus on the technical aspects of divorce, aiming to find reasonable solutions that benefit their client and prioritize their children’s welfare. However, if you wish to balance your Christian values with the challenges in your marriage, it is prudent to work with an attorney who understands and respects those values. A compatible lawyer can guide you through the divorce process, shed light on what you can realistically anticipate, and explore potential alternatives to restore the health of your marriage.
What is motivating my desire for divorce?
In North Carolina, the law does not impose divorce on any couple with a valid marriage. It does, however, provide several grounds for divorce, including adultery, substance abuse, or the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Ultimately, the decision to dissolve a marriage rests with the couple. Reflecting on your motivations and seeking the advice of a Christian divorce attorney will contribute to a more informed choice regarding the path forward.
What outcomes do I deem reasonable if we decide to divorce?
Similar to divorce not being mandatory, North Carolina law does not prescribe specific outcomes. Instead, the law offers guidelines to help divorcing couples make fair decisions that benefit their individual lives and their children’s well-being. Discuss your perception of a “reasonable” outcome with your Christian divorce attorney. They can provide insights into how the court may view your desired result and assist you in negotiating for your preferred resolution, should you choose to proceed with divorce.
How can I minimize hostility during divorce proceedings?
While divorce contradicts the teachings of Scripture, unnecessary conflict goes against its principles as well. The Bible encourages Christians to seek peaceful and loving approaches to resolve disputes. If you decide to pursue divorce, multiple options can help you achieve these goals. Considering these alternatives enables you and your spouse to cooperate in settling legal matters while honoring Christ’s commandment to love others, even in challenging times.
Exploring Alternatives to Litigation
If you opt for divorce, several alternatives exist outside traditional litigation. Here are a few options to consider:
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Collaborative Divorce: In this approach, spouses collaborate to reach agreements on unresolved issues, such as child custody and support. Each spouse retains their chosen attorney, both of whom focus on facilitating collaboration, fostering a more amicable divorce process.
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Mediation: Similar to collaborative divorce, mediation involves collaborative efforts between you, your spouse, and your respective attorneys. Additionally, a neutral third-party mediator joins the process. The mediator’s role is to help you find common ground, enabling you and your spouse to reach agreements on the terms of the divorce. Mediation often complements collaborative divorce proceedings.
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Family Law Arbitration: Arbitration follows a more formal structure than mediation. An impartial arbitrator presides over the case, empowered to make decisions based on the terms outlined in the arbitration agreement established by you and your spouse. Throughout this process, your Christian divorce attorney can provide invaluable assistance.
Partnering With Our Law Firm for Christian Divorce Support
Attorney Charles R. Ullman recognizes that Christians approach divorce with great solemnity. He commits additional time to listen and engage in meaningful discussions with each client to ensure that the steps taken align with the sanctity of marriage.
As a certified family law specialist, Mr. Ullman possesses extensive experience in peaceful alternatives to conventional divorce litigation, such as collaborative divorce, mediation, and arbitration. To learn more about how our firm can assist you in pursuing a resolution that upholds and respects your Christian faith, contact our Raleigh office today.