Divorce Attorney: Do I Need One?

If you are going to be separating from your spouse, you may be wondering whether or not you need to spend the money on a divorce attorney. Maybe you anticipate the separation as going smoothly, because there are no children involved and you both clearly understand how your assets will be divided. Maybe you are worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer. If you are wondering whether or not you need legal representation, learn more about how a lawyer could help you.

No matter what the circumstances surrounding the separation, your interests are going to be best represented if you hire a divorce attorney. However, there are a few situations in which self-representation can work. First, if you and your spouse both work and have always worked, have similar incomes, and have no children together and have basically no property together, you can probably represent yourself. It can also work if there are children involved provided the parents are both good parents and are willing to work together to raise their children in spite of the separation.

There are times when it is almost always best to hire a divorce attorney, on the other hand. These include situations where one of the spouses has a criminal record or is accused of domestic violence or any type of abuse. It is also true in situations where one of the spouses has a disability or health issue. Substance or alcohol abuse can also play a role. If children are involved and there is not clear agreement on how to handle the children through the process, then legal support is an absolute necessity.

You can also hire a lawyer after your case begins. If you feel the judge is automatically siding with your spouse, you can decide then to hire a lawyer. Remember, you will be better represented with legal help, no matter what the case.

If you do decide it is best to hire a divorce attorney to handle your separation, you can work out a payment solution that works for your budget. Make sure the lawyer understands how and when you will be able to pay, and set forth the payment information in writing at the beginning of your relationship with your lawyer.

If you are unsure about which lawyer to hire, talk to others around you who have recently been through a separation. Learn what lawyers they used and how well they felt the lawyers did. This can give you great insight into the best possible lawyer for your case, as well as the cost of hiring one.

Finally, interview the divorce attorney you are considering, and give him some of the particulars of your case. This will help you to get a feel for the lawyer’s personality and whether or not it is a good fit for you. It will also give the lawyer the chance to decide whether or not you have a case that he will be able to win. This lets you both start the working relationship with clear understanding, putting you in a better position throughout the legal battle.