A divorce is a personal matter, and you may want to do whatever it takes to keep your situation private. This may include handling the process on your own and involving as few people as possible.
If you have opted to skip hiring an attorney for your divorce, you likely have your own reasons. Perhaps you worry that a lawyer will stir up unnecessary contention between you and your spouse, or you are simply concerned about the cost. However, before you make your decision, it is important to consider all the benefits of having a legal advocate during this difficult time.
Seeking your best interests
Even if you and your spouse are working toward an amicable breakup, having the advice of a legal professional may be in your best interests. Unless you have previous experience getting a divorce, you may be unfamiliar with the laws of California, especially regarding property separation and child custody matters. A lack of knowledge in these areas may place you at risk of agreeing to terms that may jeopardize the success of your post-divorce future.
Some specific ways in which an attorney can be helpful during a divorce include the following:
- You will have a resource for current divorce law and an advisor who is knowledgeable about any recent changes in the laws.
- Your attorney can take care of the paperwork and legal red tape, including filing petitions and motions and making appropriate requests on your behalf.
- Your chances of receiving a fair settlement will improve if you have a lawyer who is a skillful negotiator.
- An attorney who is familiar with the workings of local courts and the nuances of certain judges and attorneys can provide you with an advantage.
Divorce is a delicate event, and it is likely you are finding yourself overwhelmed at times with one emotion or another. Your attorney will be an impartial, unemotional party on your side to prevent you from making unwise decisions in a moment of grief, anger or fear. You may not appreciate it at the time, but in the long run, having a clear head at the helm of your divorce can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Perhaps the most important benefit of having the right attorney is that you will not have to deal with the stress that legal issues often carry. Instead of focusing on deadlines and paperwork, you can keep your attention on your family and on taking the important steps toward your future life.
