Posted in Divorce
Many people often wonder, “Do I need a divorce attorney?” It can be tempting to skip the formalities and attempt to resolve your divorce without a lawyer, but that doesn’t always save you time, money, or headache in the end. Even if you and your spouse have had an amicable separation, or you expect to agree on everything and have an uncontested divorce, hiring the right divorce attorney can still be a wise choice. Here are some top reasons to consider hiring a lawyer for your divorce:
Save Time
You might assume that doing everything on your own will be faster, but that’s not always the case. Educating yourself on the process of divorce and finding and completing the necessary paperwork can take up more time than you think.
An Extra Set of Eyes is Always Helpful
Your divorce attorney can walk you through the process and keep your best interest in mind. Their careful and experienced eye can ensure that you are not overlooking any critical issues in your discussions, like retirement assets, for example.
Make Sure Your Agreement is Accepted by the Court
Attorneys who handle divorce are experienced in handling the necessary paperwork. Without certain words or phrases included, the court cannot accept the agreement. A family lawyer can help ensure the proper terminology is used and any additional forms needed are included. Your divorce attorney can also review the agreement with you before filing in case there are any pieces you don’t understand or that don’t match what you agreed to. It is important to note that agreements about property are very difficult to change; you should consult with a lawyer if your agreement deals with the sale of a home or retirement.
A Calm Perspective
Whether or not everything is friendly, divorce is a stressful chapter for most people. It can be very difficult to keep calm, and easy to lose sight of the big picture, as things progress. Especially in the event that something goes unexpectedly, which is not uncommon, you might need a divorce attorney who can deal with negotiations in an unattached manner.
Get Your Divorce Questions Answered
Did you know that court staff or a mediator cannot offer legal advice? Without a divorce attorney on your side, there is nobody advising you about your best options. So, when you ask yourself, “Do I need a divorce attorney,” consider whether children, money, or real estate is involved. The right attorney can make a difference in your outcome.
Understand How Divorce Works in Your State
An experienced lawyer is a powerful ally in the divorce process. Different states have different requirements, and a family lawyer can help you navigate how exactly divorce works in your state of residency. They can also help explain how your state handles things like community property.
Protect Yourself from an Abuser
If there is any history of domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, or sexual abuse, you do need a divorce attorney. Having the right one on your side is the best way to protect your rights. Mediation is not a good option for couples with a history of abuse because mediation will not be successful if either party is not comfortable speaking freely or if there is an extreme power imbalance.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
If your spouse has hired an attorney, you definitely should. A lawyer who is experienced at navigating the challenges of divorce can argue affectively for your rights against opposing counsel and save you time and gain you money in the long run. If you have any special circumstances, like a history of abuse or special needs children or a business or significant wealth, then finding the right lawyer is even more important to a successful divorce.
And remember that just because you hire a lawyer for your divorce does not mean you will end up in court. Many family law attorneys look to get their client through the process with as little headache as possible and to reach a settlement without having to appear in front of a judge.
Ready to handle your divorce with confidence? Reach out to the Skarin Law Group today, we are your trusted divorce attorneys. Call (310) 975-3161 or submit a contact form now for experienced guidance.