Marriages are made so a person can spend a lifetime with their partner. At the time of the wedding and the signing of the contract, few people think about the possibility of things not working out. However, life sometimes leads to people drifting apart, and when this happens, you may decide to go your separate ways. While the courts pay a lot of attention to small children during the settlement, teenagers and pre-adults often get forgotten in the process.

The simplicity or complexity of a divorce depends on how well-prepared you are for the process. The first thing to do in preparation for the proceedings is to hire a competent lawyer. Here are three legal issues that you will need the guidance of a competent lawyer to resolve.

Getting Emancipated

The law states that a person is under the full custody of your parents until they attain the age of 18 years. However, if you are under 18 when your parents get divorced and the situation in the home changes, you might face new challenges that will need you to make choices which adults normally could.

For instance, you will still need to handle your healthcare, get a driving licence, and decide whether or not to go to college and other things even after your parents separate. Sadly, the war between the parents can complicate your progress with these steps. With a competent family lawyer, you can become emancipated and be in a position to make these decisions on your own. 

Changing Your Last Name

When someone gets married, they may assume their spouse's last name. You might have used this name to acquire property, educational papers, and other important documents. The process of changing that can be complex, and it will require you to file a petition for a name change.

You will also be needed to present documents such as birth and marriage certificates, evidence of the separation, and identity documents. A competent family lawyer will simplify the process for you.

Changing Your Child's Surname

To change your child's last name, you will need the consent of your spouse. You will also need to prove that the name change is in the best interest of the child. The court will assess the short-term and long-term effects of changing the child's name and determine whether to permit you.

These are issues that people often forget about when handling divorce matters. However, with a competent family lawyer, you address all these issues and prepare for the best life after divorce. 

To learn more about family law, contact a lawyer.