If you are planning to go to divorce court alone, you are making a very costly mistake. Divorce court is no place for an unrepresented party, particularly where there are significant assets or children involved. You need a divorce attorney to help you divide assets fairly and determine a workable custody and child support arrangement.
Instead of taking a chance, find a divorce attorney to ensure that you are treated fairly by the court system. Take a minute to read this short guide so that you can determine how a qualified family attorney can protect your interests and those of your family.
Many parties become entangled in the valuation of the marital estate, property and other assets. Naturally, having more property leaves the parties with more to fight about. Valuing and dividing property fairly is one of the major areas of expertise of the best divorce lawyers.
While this might be straightforward with respect to retirement accounts, cash and marketable securities, valuing a business or other intangible asset is more complicated. A competent divorce attorney has the expertise to help you determine the value of each asset. Even though property is a major concern, it is custody and support that constitutes the greatest complicating factor in a divorce
Children are a major complicating factor in most divorce proceedings. Even though the legal standard in most states is to do what is “in the best interest of the children,” many loving parents do not act rationally with respect to custody and support.
Children do not ask for the parents to get divorced and rely upon their parents to have the maturity to do what is best for them. Add the complicating factor that, in many states, older children can have a significant voice in determining their primary custodian. Custody is complicated and underscores the need to hire a qualified divorce attorney to arrive at a fair and equitable solution for the parties.
If you have significant property or children, you need to find a divorce attorney to assist you in preserving your rights. You can research attorneys in your area over the internet or accept the recommendation of a friend or relative.
But, remember, you need to find an attorney that practices family law because only a divorce lawyer has the experience and expertise to address the complications surrounding valuation of assets and calculation of child support and custody or minor children. A divorce lawyer will help you draft a settlement agreement that preserves and protects your rights as well as the rights of your children. If the case goes to trial, a divorce attorney will ensure that the court system treats you with the respect and dignity you deserve. All in all, the divorce attorney will be “in your corner” protecting your interests at a time where you will not be thinking or acting rationally.
Look, representing yourself in a divorce proceeding is a stupid move, especially if you have a lot of property or you have minor children. It is difficult to value and fairly divide property, particularly where your spouse is represented and you are not. More importantly, where you have to negotiate child support and custody, you are at a significant disadvantage when compared to someone who is represented by competent divorce counsel.
When you are dealing with either of these issues, hiring a divorce attorney represents a smart investment in terms of time and money. You are not a lawyer and your divorce is not a “do it yourself” project.
Find out more on how to select a divorce lawyer.
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