Are you planning to call it quits on your marriage?
Maybe your partner is having an extra-marital affair, you’re a victim of physical and emotional abuse, or the marriage simply isn’t meeting your expectations. Whatever your grounds of seeking a divorce are, you’re not alone. About 39 percent of all marriages in the United States will end in divorce or legal separation.
When getting divorced, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is whether or not to hire a family. This is understandable since legal services cost money.
In this article, we’re telling you what to consider before hiring a family attorney.
Is the Divorce Amicable?
For most divorcing couples, divorce is a nasty process. There’s a lot of arm-twisting, with each side failing to agree on almost everything.
If this is the kind of situation you’re in, it’s advisable to have a family attorney on your side. Your partner will also likely hire an attorney of their own, so you don’t want to face them alone. An attorney will defend your interests and ensure you get what you deserve.
On the other hand, if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are in agreement on most of the contentious issues (such as child and spousal support and property division), you can go through the divorce process without a family attorney.
Are You Familiar with the Divorce Process?
Family laws vary from state to state, as does the divorce process.
If you’re familiar with the divorce process in your state and your divorce is amicable, you can navigate the divorce process without any professional help.
That said, bear in mind that hiring a lawyer isn’t always about defending your interests or suing someone. You and your partner might not have the time to draft the agreements and file the paperwork, so you can hire a family attorney to help you.
You’re Emotionally Unsettled
Even when couples are on the same page about everything, the divorce process can still come down hard on you. It can wreck your emotions and leave you incapable of thinking clearly.
In this case, you can ask your partner for some time to regain your composure and mental clarity. But if they’re looking to go through the process quickly and move on, you will certainly need a lawyer to help and guide you.
You Don’t Know Your Rights
If you’ve never gone through the divorce process before or you’re not familiar with divorce law in your state, you probably don’t have a good understanding of your rights during marriage dissolution.
Even when your divorce is amicable and you’re getting what you want, don’t assume that your rights aren’t being violated. There’s a chance that you could legally get more than what you’re getting under an amicable divorce agreement. A family attorney will ensure you’re well-informed about your rights.
You Will Likely Need Legal Help When Getting Divorced
Nobody gets into marriage with the plan of getting divorced in the future, but sometimes walking away from a marriage is the best decision for you. Although it’s not necessary to hire a family attorney, in most cases you’ll need one. With this guide, you now know when to make that decision.
All the best and keep reading our blog for more handy tips and insights.
