If you are going to be getting a divorce, you may want to consider working with an attorney to help with the process. Even though it’s possible to have a DIY divorce, it’s not always the solution. For those who have complicated assets, children, and debts that need to be split, working with an attorney is often the best solution. Let’s look at some of the biggest benefits of working with a great family law attorney.
Knowledge and Experience
You probably don’t have too much knowledge about family law and how it works in your state. Most people don’t. You also don’t know that terminology has changed and that certain laws have changed, as well. Even if you got a divorce in the past, things could be different now.
Experienced family attorneys know and understand the law. They are well-versed in how it works and how it applies to different cases. When you choose to hire a divorce attorney, you are hiring them for their skill and expertise in the field. The knowledge they bring to the table helps to ensure that you get treated fairly and that your legal rights are respected during the divorce process.
Help with the Paperwork
One of the other benefits of working with an attorney is the paperwork. Going through a divorce requires a substantial amount of paperwork, evidence-gathering, and research. There is a lot of paperwork that needs to be filled out correctly and filed on time during a divorce. Failure to do so could set the divorce back, making it take longer to have the dissolution of your marriage finalized.
Negotiations and Settlement Agreements
Just because you are getting a divorce does not mean that it has to go all the way through the court system. Most divorces will be settled before this happens. A settlement occurs after the spouses have negotiated the terms of their divorce. This includes things like the division of assets and debts, parenting plan, legal decision-making, etc.
By going through negotiations and settling, it will keep the case out of court. It will also often help keep the costs of the divorce down. When things go into litigation, the costs will often rise.
They Know the Judges and How to Litigate
One of the other benefits of working with an experienced attorney is the fact that they know more about the local legal system. This means that they often know the judges and have a better understanding of their personalities and what those judges are looking for when it comes to evidence.
As mentioned, most attorneys will want to keep the divorce case from going to litigation if it can be helped. It’s faster to settle, and it often produces better results. However, a good family law attorney will know how to litigate on your behalf if you do have to go to court.
To Match Your Spouse
What if at the start of the divorce, you didn’t get an attorney because your ex said they weren’t going to have an attorney. You thought that maybe the two of you could work things out on your own, reach a settlement agreement, and be done with the divorce. Now, however, you discover that your spouse has retained an attorney.
If that’s the case, you will be much better off hiring an attorney of your own. Even if you only work with them on a limited-scope basis, they can still provide you with the advice you need. If you have it in your budget, though, having an attorney work with you through each step of your case will be a better solution.
Attorneys Provide You with a Realistic View of Your Case
One of the other benefits of working with a family law attorney is the dose of realism they can provide. This is not always something that people like but it’s necessary. You don’t want to go into your divorce thinking that you’ll get the house, the car, the kids, and spousal support just because your spouse cheated on you.
The attorneys can look at your case and your goals, and help you understand what is and is not achievable. They can help you to strategize and develop a plan that will have your best interests in mind. Good attorneys will not sugarcoat things. They will tell you the truth of what’s happening and your chances. But you can always rely on them to be on your side.
Reduce Your Stress
There’s no doubt that going through a divorce is stressful. It will be one of the most stressful things you have to handle in your lifetime. Trying to get through it on your own is difficult, even with simple cases. When dealing with a more complex divorce, it’s even worse.
One of the best things about working with an attorney is that they can take away a lot of that stress. They will handle all of the issues that come up, the paperwork, help with negotiations, and so much more. This leaves you to worry less about the divorce and to handle all of the other things that are happening in your life whether it’s related to work, the kids, or anything else.
A Poor-Quality Attorney Won’t Do You Any Good
Above are some of the best benefits that come from working with a great family law attorney. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all attorneys will be worth your time and money. You need to be sure you are choosing a lawyer who has the experience you need to handle cases like yours.
If you have a divorce with a lot of assets, you need someone who has handled big divorces before. If you are dealing with issues of domestic violence in your marriage and it’s one of the reasons for divorce, you’ll want an attorney that understands this. Take your time to find a great attorney that can provide you with the expertise your case requires.
