Experienced Rapid City Divorce Lawyers Pursue Desired Outcomes

Dedicated South Dakota family law attorneys negotiate divorce solutions

Divorce is one of life’s more difficult experiences, but attentive and determined legal representation can ease the stress of the process and help protect your long-term interests. The committed attorneys at Anker Law Group in Rapid City, South Dakota work on behalf of divorcing individuals who are dealing with disputes over how to divide up the marital home and settle parenting conflicts. We advise clients on all aspects of marital dissolution and are staunch advocates both at trial and at the negotiating table.

Accomplished attorneys handle complex divorce and custody matters in and out of court

Mediation, collaborative divorce and settlement negotiations outside of court often allow divorcing couples to reach agreements about property, custody and financial matters in a less adversarial setting. If you and your ex-spouse choose this route, we will represent you and make sure that your interests and goals are reflected in the arrangements being made. However, if you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement on any aspect of your divorce, you can ask a judge to decide on the matter for you. You may also need to go to court if your spouse does not cooperate with mandatory full financial disclosure or other requirements of the divorce process.

To support your case in court, you will need evidence and strong arguments in your favor. We are fervent advocates during divorce litigation. Our attorneys go after the best possible results for every client and do not succumb to intimidation.

Respected law firm handles property distribution concerns and other divorce-related matters

Our firm offers guidance that is specific to the circumstances of your divorce, including on issues related to:

• Property distribution — All marital property owned by a South Dakota couple must be divided equitably in a divorce. Spouses may be allotted property in roughly equal amounts or one spouse may be awarded a greater share of the division. It all depends on what is deemed fair by the judge. Among the factors that can affect the division are each spouse’s monetary and nonmonetary contributions to the marital estate, each spouse’s separate property and each spouse’s earning capacity. We will advocate for you and your right to a fair share of the marital property.
• Spousal support — A spouse may be awarded spousal support (also known as alimony) if he or she demonstrates a financial need and the other spouse can afford to pay.
• Child custody — While it is preferable for both parents to come up with a custody and visitation schedule on their own, it is not uncommon for spouses to disagree. If parents cannot agree on an arrangement, the decision is made by the court. The guiding principle for making the custody and parenting schedule is the best interests of the child, or what arrangement would positively impact their mental health and overall well-being. Though courts like to award joint custody in order to give both parents an active role in their child’s life, sole custody may be preferable if joint custody would be difficult for the child or if one parent is unfit or unwilling.
• Child support — A parent who does not have physical custody of the child will likely be ordered to pay child support to cover the child’s basic needs. Parents may create a child support agreement that includes higher payments than those required by the state.

Only a resident of South Dakota can file a divorce in the state. You may either settle divorce issues before you file or within the mandatory, minimum 60-day waiting period between filing and having your case heard in court. We advise clients before filing, during negotiations and at any necessary hearings.

Contact knowledgeable Rapid City divorce attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation

The divorce attorneys of Anker Law Group in Rapid City, South Dakota help clients resolve divorces through both negotiation and litigation. To schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our legal team, call 605-519-5967 or contact us online.