When preparing for a divorce, you know that there are a lot of different affairs to get in order. One of those affairs, is hiring a divorce attorney to handle your side of the divorce. You might think that you can go at this business alone. And sometimes, you absolutely can. However, not every divorce is going to be easy and collaborative. All divorces are different, and the way that you and your spouse handle it ultimately decides how your divorce will go— and how costly it will be…
Divorce Attorney: Do I Need One?
If you’re both on the same page…
The first determining factor on whether you need a divorce attorney is the level of collaboration both you and your spouse are willing to put into this divorce. Many divorces will start with ill will and sour feelings towards one another. For this reason, collaborative divorces are typically few and far between. Quite simply, a collaborative divorce is only a good option for a slim few couples. However, for those who can swing it, a collaborative divorce will save you a pretty penny.
If there are ill feelings on either side…
Then a divorce attorney is going to be inevitable. It’s not uncommon that one, or both, spouses will have feelings of anger, unresolved feelings, and spite towards one another. Therefore, many spouses will try and do things that will hurt the other, take away their assets, or make proceedings just a little bit harder. In these instances, a divorce attorney can really help to speed things along and keep them on track.
If you have a lot of assets…
Whether things are ending peacefully or not, when you bring a lot of assets into the mix— it’s better to have an attorney to represent you. While you feel confident that your spouse would not try to take away the things you’ve worked hard for— assets make things muddy. Furthermore, both parties have likely grown an attachment to the things you’ve built together— such as a business, a home, a vacation home, a vintage car, or anything of the like. In short, assets make things a little bit more difficult. Therefore, when there’s a lot to lose— a divorce attorney can help to keep things going in the right direction and make sure both parties get what is rightfully theirs.
Understanding your rights
Lastly, and most importantly, understanding your rights during a divorce helps to make sure you’re not denied of them. It might not be intentional, but being denied your rights during a divorce can lead to loss of spousal support, custody, assets, and other important aspects of a divorce. A divorce attorney helps to make sense of your rights, your spouse’s, and also just what to expect of your divorce. It can be easy to go into this process uninformed, however, when you know what’s coming— it can be easier to prepare.
