Are you getting a divorce?
Many people who go through a divorce wonder if they need to hire a lawyer. Going through the proceedings without an attorney might seem tempting. Some people believe it will save them money or time. In some cases, this might be true.
Yet, if you misjudge this, you might not get as much as you want out of your divorce. So, when deciding whether you should hire a lawyer, you need to know when you need a legal professional to step in.
Below, we’ll get into everything you need to know about when to hire an attorney for your divorce. Keep reading to learn more!
Several Types of Divorce Cases
Whether you hire a lawyer might depend on what kind of divorce case you have.
Two of these easiest types of divorces are summary and uncontested divorces. Summary divorces occur when a couple has been married for 5 years or less and doesn’t have significant debt or children. For a summary divorce, both parties need to agree to the divorce and file the papers together. You don’t necessarily need a lawyer for this type of divorce.
Uncontested divorces are relatively straightforward. The divorcing spouses work together to divide up their assets and then file their papers with the court. Depending on the state, they may need a court hearing. If you and your former partner can sort out your assets on your own, you might not need a lawyer.
Yet, you can hire a lawyer for summary and uncontested divorces if you think it would help you.
If you have a contested divorce, you’ll need an attorney. Contested divorces occur when spouses cannot agree on one or more issues. They’ll need to have settlement negotiations and maybe even a court hearing. Your lawyer will help you argue your case and get the most out of the negotiations.
Call an Attorney If Things Get Messy
Sometimes, divorce cases that start out as amicable turn into a difficult process. This might be the case if both you and your spouse are willing to split but can’t agree on things like child custody.
In this case, you might want to consider hiring lawyers. Your legal team will listen to your concerns and help you negotiate better situations.
You should also call a lawyer if your spouse tries to prove that you’re unable to provide adequate care for your children. The lawyer will assess your situation and help you argue on behalf of yourself and your kids.
You can also hire an attorney to look over any forms that are sent to you. They will explain the legal terminology and direct you to make the best choices.
Get divorce mediation for ongoing conflicts today!
Ready to Hire a Lawyer?
Now that you’ve read this guide, you’re ready to decide whether you want to hire a lawyer.
If you choose to get legal help, make sure you look into the best attorney for your case. Your lawyer should practice divorce law and have years of experience in their field. They should also have good reviews from past clients.
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