As many people assume legal fees are expensive, they may try and handle their own legal proceedings. With plenty of information available online, petitioning for a divorce may seem like a relatively straightforward process.
However, a divorce is rarely ‘just’ a dissolution of a marriage. In most cases, there are financial agreements to be made and there may also be child custody arrangements to be settled. While parties can choose to proceed without legal representation, this is rarely a good idea.
If you’re dealing with the breakdown of a relationship and wondering whether it’s worth retaining a family lawyer, take a look at these top three reasons why you need representation.
1. Knowing Your Rights
Family law is complicated; there’s no getting around it! No matter how many online articles you read or how carefully you scan law books, you’re going to struggle to get up speed in time to handle your own divorce.
Furthermore, presenting a case in court or negotiating a settlement requires certain procedures to be met. As well as dealing with the substantive law, you’ll need to be well-equipped to deal with the practicalities of the courtroom too.
With advice from an experienced family lawyer, however, you can find out exactly what rights you have and how you can enforce them.
2. Support and Motivation
Divorce and separation can be painful and emotional processes, even when the parties are on good terms. Unfortunately, most divorces are fairly contentious, which only adds to the pressure and emotional distress for everyone involved.
As the divorce process usually takes around a year to complete, it’s important to have a support network around you. When you choose a reputable family law firm, like M. Sue Wilson Law Offices, you’ll have access to the professional support you need throughout your divorce. With the motivation to keep pushing forward, your family lawyer will give you the strength and confidence you need to achieve the best settlement for you and your family.
3. Planning for Your Future
Once a settlement or agreement has been reached, it is intended to be final. It’s rare for divorce cases to be revisited, so it’s important to ensure you handle a separation with your future in mind. Depending on the circumstances of the relationship breakdown, you may want to opt for a ‘quick divorce’ so that the matter is resolved as quickly as possible and you can move on.
However, being too hasty may mean you’re giving up your legal rights. Furthermore, it could leave you in financial difficulties in the future. Working with a family attorney ensures that your rights will be upheld, without you having to deal with the minutiae of the legal proceedings.
Preparing for Divorce Proceedings
Before getting divorced, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious about what the process entails. By seeking advice from a specialist family lawyer, you can learn more about how the proceedings work and what format they follow. In addition, your family attorney can give you peace of mind that your rights will be safeguarded, and your interests protected.
