There’s no getting around the fact that divorce is a stressful and complicated process. Once the difficult decision to split up has been made, most people are left with a lot of questions. One of the most important things to decide is whether you want to work with a lawyer during the divorce process. Ultimately, only you can decide what’s best for you, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to help guide you.
Are You Legally Required To Have A Lawyer?
While not always necessary or required by law, in many cases it is a good idea to work with an experienced divorce attorney. Mediation is an effective option if both parties agree on all issues, such as how to divide up finances and custody of any children. However, in cases where an agreement can not be reached, you may need to take your case to a trial. A divorce attorney in Knoxville is a powerful asset to represent your interests in this situation.
Important Reasons to Consider a Lawyer
In some situations, hiring a lawyer is extremely important. Firstly, if your partner has decided to work with a lawyer during the divorce, you will need to as well. Additionally, if the divorce is taking place amid a dangerous situation or any kind of abuse is involved in the relationship, an experienced attorney is a necessity.
If you and your soon-to-be ex simply cannot agree on issues, or if there is a problem such as drug use, abandonment, or any kind of criminal acts from the opposing party, this could be considered an at-fault divorce. If you are a victim of this kind of situation, working with a lawyer may help you to get a larger share of assets.
Have You Followed The Necessary Process in Your State?
Just as getting legally married required submitting legal documents, getting divorced involves filling out paperwork. Each state is a little different in the process that is required, so do some research to make sure you understand what is needed.
Whether you work with an attorney or not, you will need to ensure that all the right documents are submitted to finalize the divorce. This includes getting the final judgment signed by a judge, which solidifies the distribution of assets from your marriage and should include important details such as those pertaining to child custody.
Even if you and your ex-partner agree on how to go about separating, having a lawyer on hand to help ensure the agreement is fair and in accordance with the laws is beneficial. You can hire a lawyer to help with just a portion of the process, even if their role is only to advise you and look over your documents.
The Bottom Line
When possible, working collaboratively with your ex and coming to an agreement through mediation is less emotionally and financially difficult. However, this may not be possible for a number of reasons. Remember that you can use a lawyer for only a portion of the process if it makes things easier. Whether you need them to guide you through the divorce from start to finish or simply look over the paperwork, it is worth considering if you’re in a difficult situation.
