Every single divorce is extremely different. Some divorces may be very quick and painless, but others can often take longer than either party expected. Regardless, some couples want to save money in the divorce process and decide to go for a DIY quickie divorce.
Unfortunately, this can do more harm than good, as there are numerous issues that could arise throughout the process. Here are just a few of the reasons you will want to hire a lawyer for your divorce:
1. Implications of Divorce Down the Road
If you're divorcing for the first time, then it is probably safe to say that you don't know what the long-term consequences are of getting divorced. An attorney can help you understand what is ahead of you and offer you insight that will help you with the entire process. This can often help you avoid making unwise financial decisions.
For example, do you know what type of expenses you'll have if you decide to keep the house? You will have mortgage payments, home owners insurance, taxes, etc. Are you prepared to meet these financial obligations once separated?
2. Both Spouses May Not Truly Agree
While you say you both agree on the terms of the divorce, when it comes time to sign your name, this may no longer be the case. One spouse may suddenly change their mind and decide that they want to keep the house. This causes a standstill in the divorce process, which causes your "quick divorce" to become a lengthy one.
An attorney can help ensure that assets and debts are clearly outlined from the get-go and can even bring in a mediator, if necessary. Although this may not keep your spouse from changing their mind, it will likely reduce the chances of it happening since everything is clearly defined before the paperwork is filed.
3. Delays with Paperwork
The divorce paperwork can be rather time-consuming and intimidating, which can cause you to forget to fill out a certain part that was particularly bothersome.
In addition, some states and counties require that individuals try to work through their marriage for a certain period of time after the divorce is filed. This may not be something that you are aware of unless you work with an attorney. In addition, if your spouse filed the divorce and you've received notification, you may have a certain amount of time to draft a formal response before the divorce moves forward regardless of your stance on the situation.
An attorney can help ensure that no deadlines are missed, all paperwork is filled out completely and that the legal paperwork is filed appropriately so that you don't have to stay married any longer than necessary.
4. Your Spouse Decided to Hire a Lawyer
If your soon-to-be ex hires a lawyer, it is time for you to do so as well. Although it doesn't mean that your spouse is trying to get a leg up on you, it is in your best interests to have legal representation of your own to ensure your best interests are always taken into consideration. It is never recommended for both spouses to share the same attorney, as the lawyer may put their primary client's interests in front of the others.
Divorce Can Be Complicated
No one said getting a divorce would be easy, and there is a lot that goes into filing for divorce. From deciding custody arrangements of the children and who will keep the house, there are a number of things that need to be accounted for in a divorce. An attorney will help make sure that you divorce is as quick and as painless as possible for you, while ensuring that you get what you rightfully deserve out of the divorce.
To learn more, contact a company like Finocchio & English.
Share4 June 2015
Like many people, I once found learning about law very intimidating. My brother went to law school and I remember glancing through a few of his books and wondering if I was actually reading English due to all of the legal jargon in them! However, when I ended up in a sticky legal situation due to accidentally breaking a small law I didn't know existed, I realized that I needed to learn more about the law, so I could make sure to follow it precisely in the future. My brother helped to break down some complicated legal concepts to me, and I have since been studying up online. I want to post what I have learned and continue to learn about law in the future on my new blog, so my knowledge cannot only help myself, but also help others!