Did you know that nearly half of all marriages end in divorce or separation?
Divorce is never easy, and it’s easy to put off hiring a lawyer until the legalities become too much of a headache. Yet, there are many good reasons why you might want to work with an attorney instead of taking care of it all yourself.
Here are four of the main life-changing reasons you should consider a divorce lawyer.
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Ensure the Divorce Agreement Is Enforceable
There is a lot to say for self-help, but if your separation agreement doesn’t pass through a judge or courtroom clerk, the chances are it isn’t enforceable. It means you and your spouse could back out of your deal at any time without consequences.
Court clerks are busy, and the wait time in many counties can take several weeks. If you want your separation agreement to be enforceable, hiring a lawyer is the fastest way to have it done.
If you deal with the court system yourself to complete your divorce without a lawyer, you risk getting nothing at all.
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Ensure Commitment to Custody, Visitation, and Child Support Guidelines
In some states, if both parties agree on custody and visitation arrangements, the judge will approve them. In other states, the judge must approve all custody/visitation agreements. Either way, a judge needs to OK your agreement to violate state guidelines and risk serious consequences.
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Ensure Fair Distribution of Assets Between Parties
Divorce is a difficult time, and emotions are running high, which means people tend to be less than honest about their assets when dividing them. If your spouse is hiding assets or their bank accounts are in his/her name only, it could take you years to find out the truth.
By working with an attorney, you can ensure the consideration of all debts and assets, making sure you will not be responsible for your spouse’s debts in the future.
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Avoid the Stresses of a Do-It-Yourself Solution
When going through a divorce, you’re likely to feel stressed and drained of emotion. This stress is completely natural, and clear thinking is hard, particularly when trying to take care of everything.
Having an attorney can help you keep your wits about you. That way, you can focus on custody arrangements for your children.
Because your focus should be on the kids, not the paperwork, hiring an attorney can help relieve some of that pressure.
Always Seek Legal Advice from a Divorce Lawyer
No matter your circumstances, the stress of going through a divorce can be overwhelming. A divorce lawyer can assist you with legal matters that will have a lasting impact on your family. It’s by far the smartest choice you can make to protect your family and ensure a smooth transition into post-divorce life.
For more helpful advice on how to get through the tough times, keep reading our articles and see what else you can find to help you today.
