Going through a divorce can be a complicated and tricky process. Most people spend a lot of time and money to plan out a wedding, but nobody considers the effort that goes into a divorce. Typically what happens in most divorce cases is predictable. Money doled out to the attorneys, lost assets, lots of surprises and no plan or final outcome. You may think an attorney is a waste of your hard earned money, but they understand the workings of the divorce process, and they will work tirelessly to ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible for you.
1. The Benefits of an Attorney
The average divorce today has the potential of becoming drawn out and pricey, especially if there are children, and a number of assets to be dealt over. Some people may even want to handle the divorce themselves if they feel that they are spending a lot of money without seeing results, important deadlines are being missed, or the attorney is too busy to talk. However, a divorce attorney understands the common laws in your jurisdiction, and they have the resources and experience to give you the upper hand in terminating the marriage.
2. Marital Assets
If you are thinking about a divorce, and you have mutual possessions together with your partner, the process could be extremely taxing. Most people know what they are willing to leave a marriage with whether its full custody of the children, the home, or various belongings. A divorce attorney will be able to offer advice on how to sort out the property fairly. In most cases they will work together with the spouse’s attorney until all parties are satisfied with the outcome.
3. Choosing the Right Attorney
Choose a divorce attorney that is competent for your case. Just because your friend or family member had a good experience doesn’t mean that they will be a right fit for you. The perfect attorney will have an outcome in mind based on a thorough understanding of your issues. They know how to negotiate fairly, when to fight, and they will know how to do it without breaking the bank. If you’re not satisfied, and you feel that you aren’t being fairly represented, find someone else immediately.
4. Child Custody Issues
Many marriages going through the divorce process includes children. A knowledgeable divorce lawyer will understand the legal workings of visitation and custody agreements. This can be extremely difficult to determine and work out on your own. Most parents are unsure of their rights regarding child support and guardianship, and an attorney will benefit in getting a fair deal when it comes to your children. This especially holds true if they are below the legal adult age.
5. How to Get What’s Rightfully Yours
Most people are often unschooled in the divorce process, and how it pertains to marital laws, finances, and the state of the current economic situation. A lot of community property and child custody rights can end up with the other party.
Divorce is expensive and emotionally unsettling, especially for those who don’t have a handle on the process. Start by outlining the issues that are most important to you in your case. Interview a variety of attorneys until you find one that matches the skills and criteria that you are searching for. The right attorney will help you to remain focused and steer you toward your goal.
Molly Henshaw is a freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She is also a contributing author for the divorce team of Katz & Phillips, who remind us that it is essential to have a third party professional help you make the best out of your divorce!