Why You Need a Divorce Lawyer
If you are going through a divorce, it is highly recommended that you hire legal counsel. A divorce can be a difficult legal process because there is a lot on the line, especially when minor children, property, and potential alimony are involved. Even in situations where the separation and divorce seem amicable, a divorce lawyer can protect your interests at every step to ensure that you come out on the other side with a fair agreement. If you are wondering whether you need a divorce lawyer or if you should handle your divorce on your own, consider the following:
You Need Objective and Specialized Advice
When it comes to navigating your divorce, it’s important to remember that you may be too emotional and too unfamiliar with the legal process to make the best decisions without obtaining legal counsel.
The reality is that divorce can often bring up a lot of emotions in both parties that make it difficult to see things objectively. Your attorney can provide this objective perspective because they have no emotional connection to the other party.
Additionally, your attorney will be familiar with the legal process, how the judges tend to think, and what your best options may be. This specialized advice is invaluable when it comes to reaching a successful divorce.
To Avoid Costly Mistakes
Another thing to consider is that a divorce is essentially two parties dissolving a legal contract. More legally binding contracts may potentially arise in the divorce, including custody agreements, support agreements for both spouses and children, and property settlements. A lot of thoughtful planning goes into drafting these documents to ensure that these contracts are airtight. While you could in theory file motions and draft agreements on your own, making mistakes on legally binding agreements could cost you heavily. You may agree to unfavorable terms or end up spending more money later trying to undo these contracts.
Your Lawyer Will Advocate for You
During any legal proceeding, it is important to remember that the other party is only looking out for their own interests and not yours. That’s when it’s important to have somebody on your side who will go to bat for you. When you hire a divorce lawyer, you are hiring a credible legal professional who will advocate for you during negotiations with the other party and in court to ensure that your interests are protected at every turn.
Divorce Cases Can Be Messy
Even divorces that begin amicably can get messy as disagreements occur and people begin to take the low road in arguments. There may be a situation where one party will make an unfounded accusation to put the other party in a negative light. Accusations of substance abuse, violence, or negligence may be made without notice, or even evidence, as an attempt to tarnish the reputation and character of the other party. If this happens, your attorney will know how to quickly shut down the unsubstantiated claims and prevent them from ever becoming a topic of discussion.