How do divorce and child custody laws work, and what are some of the common issues that can arise during divorce proceedings?

Divorce and child custody laws govern the legal process of ending a marriage and determining the custody and support arrangements for any children of the marriage. Divorce laws vary by state, but generally require that one or both parties file a petition with the court, which must be served on the other spouse. The petition will typically include information about the grounds for divorce, which may be fault-based (such as adultery or abuse) or no-fault (such as irreconcilable differences). Once a divorce petition is filed, the parties may need to negotiate or litigate a number of issues related to property division, spousal support, and c....