If you’re thinking of getting a divorce, you’re not alone. Did you know that the divorce rate is 2.9 per 1,000 of the population?
Do you need a lawyer to get a divorce? In this article, explore the answer to this question and more on the divorce process. Read on to learn what to expect, and how to best prepare yourself during this trying time.
Do You Always Need a Lawyer for a Divorce?
If you and your spouse have no children or marital assets, then a divorce through a lawyer might not be necessary. This is mostly for those who haven’t been married for long, or who will obtain an annulment. You can sign the documents necessary for the clerk’s office and local courthouse.
Benefits of a Divorce Attorney
If you’re thinking of getting a lawyer such as this divorce attorney, they can help you and your spouse come to a mutual agreement and keep tensions low. Before hiring an attorney, you’ll want to speak with different attorneys and determine which will be the best fit for you.
An attorney can also help you with any legal risks or problems you might face that you’re not aware of. They’ll review the agreement before you sign it, file your divorce for you, attend meditation with you, or attend your hearing in divorce court.
If you decide to hire them for only certain parts of the divorce process it’s known as limited-scope representation. Lawyers will normally offer you a flat fee for this option. Limited-scope representation is usually less than full-scope representation.
The Problem of Getting a Divorce Without a Lawyer
If you decide to do the divorce process on your own you might set yourself up for legal problems you might not have been aware of. This is due to not being a lawyer and not understanding how the divorce process works.
There’s plenty of paperwork, rules, and forms as well. If they’re not done correctly, they can wind up costing you a large fee.
What About an Amicable Divorce?
While you might think that your divorce is amicable, it’s still a wise decision to have a divorce lawyer just in case. If you decide to forego an attorney, you and your spouse will have to write down the terms of your agreement that the court can accept. You’ll also need to come to an agreement on all issues that you’ll face due to the divorce.
If something isn’t correct then there’s the risk that the judge will send it back and you’ll have to start it all over again. There’s also the possibility that the judge approves your divorce, and then years later you realize there’s a problem and it’s too late to change it.
What if I Don’t Have the Money for an Attorney?
Hiring an attorney for a divorce can be quite costly depending on your location, and the stipulations of divorce. If you can’t afford an attorney, you can reach out to your local legal aid office and see if you can receive assistance.
Most programs can only do so much, so you might only be able to speak with an attorney over the phone. You might also be able to find an attorney who will do it pro bono. Pro Bono means they’ll do it for free.
Some states actually require attorneys to do so many pro bono hours each year. Contact your state bar association and ask for referrals of who does pro bono work in your area. You can also see about low-cost lawyers in your area as well.
5 Signs You Need a Divorce
Don’t be blindsided by divorce paperwork, it’s a good idea to be aware of the warning signs of a divorce. Do you notice your communication with each other isn’t positive anymore? Are you avoiding talking to each other?
- Unhappiness
While all relationships have their ups and downs if you find yourselves unhappy often, that’s a warning sign a divorce might happen. To try and save your marriage, you can both decide to go to couples counseling together. Keep in mind that couples counseling might not work for everyone.
- Others Tell You To
Another warning sign of an impending divorce is that others are telling you both that you should get a divorce. Do your family and friends think it’s not a good match?
- Abuse
If there’s any sort of abuse, that’s a clear sign a divorce should happen. No one should have to deal with emotional or physical abuse.
- Different Stages
You and your spouse might also be in a different stage of your lives as well. Do you notice that you have different morals, lifestyle, or religion now?
- Confusion for Kids
This can cause friction in a relationship if you’re not able to meet each other halfway. If kids are involved, it can cause confusion for them as well.
Choosing a Divorce Attorney
Before you choose a divorce attorney, it’s a good idea to think about what you’re looking for from a divorce and in an attorney. Determine what attorney will fit your needs best for the type of divorce you’ll be obtaining.
Speak with more than one potential attorney, and do a comparison of how comfortable you feel, rates, and what they offer. While you might be tempted to go with the lowest option, your best bet is to go with who will help you the most with your divorce.
Do You Need a Lawyer To Get a Divorce?
Now that you know the answer to the question, do you need a lawyer to get a divorce, you should have a better idea if a lawyer is right for you or not. Would you like to read content on business? For everything from business to health, check out our other articles today.
