You and your spouse have decided to divorce. While this can be the answer to constant marital strife, we all know that divorce is not exactly cheap. It can be expensive, with the average cost running around $7,500. This cost primarily pays for legal fees. Given this, wouldn’t it be helpful to just not have a lawyer and do all the legal legwork yourself?
Not necessarily. Technically, you could do this but it is not recommended. Handling legal issues on your own without education and experience is a recipe for disaster.
While having a lawyer will cost a lot more than doing it yourself, you are paying for their expertise. An experienced attorney knows the laws and can help you get what you are entitled to. They can protect your legal rights and make sure the process is fair.
Working with a skilled lawyer can make all the difference in the world. Here are some other reasons why you should have an experienced attorney on your side when ending your marriage.
Avoid Mistakes
The average person who has never been through a divorce before will likely make mistakes. That is primarily because the legal system is complicated. Plus, the stress can cloud one’s thinking and cause them to make rash decisions.
You may forget to address an asset or debt. You may underestimate or overestimate the value of an asset. You may make a significant mistake during the proceeding. Such a mistake may cause financial harm or lead to delays. A mistake can take a lot of time and money, but you can prevent this by hiring an experienced lawyer. They know the laws involved and will ensure paperwork is filed properly the first time.
Avoid Delays
Again, mistakes lead to delays. Even if you file court documents on time, the forms may be filled out incorrectly. Any mistake with the paperwork can substantially delay the process. A lawyer can assist with the process and make sure everything is done properly.
Get Financial Protection
Assets are pretty much split in half in a divorce and when one household turns into two, money does not go as far as it used to.
Women feel the pain even more, especially older ones who are near retirement. A lawyer can help protect your legal rights and even your finances. At Tanis McGonegal, we will work with you to understand your goals and what outcome you desire.
Financial hardship is common, as it is hard to budget and live within one’s means. In fact, many people struggle to survive as they transition to a new lifestyle. They may lose their homes or go into poverty.
An experienced attorney can help in this regard. They can help ensure that spousal support is fair and reasonable, if appropriate. They can also help you with budgeting and connect you to resources who can assist you.
Make Life Less Stressful
There is no doubt that a divorce is a stressful time for everyone involved. Most people have to work and take care of children. They do not have the time to take care of all of the details on top of everything else.
Dealing with a divorce takes a lot of time. You may not be able to miss work. You may have to sign paperwork and attend meetings and hearings, but a competent lawyer can take care of the day-to-day activities involved in the process.
With a lawyer on your side, there is less stress. You do not have to worry about what needs to be done. You have time to tend to yourself and your family. A skilled lawyer can take care of the legal work.
A DIY divorce may be adequate if you have minimal assets and have not been married for a long time, but if there is a lot of stake, you need a skilled divorce lawyer on your side. Tanis McGonegal is here to help.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/5-reasons-that-you-need-a_b_3937368
