Should You Hire A Divorce Attorney?

Getting a divorce can feel overwhelming and stressful. Figuring out whether to hire a lawyer is one important step that can't be overlooked. Here are a few things to consider that should help you decide whether or not you should work with a divorce attorney:

Is Your Split Amicable?

If the split from your spouse is completely amicable, you may not need a lawyer to help you complete a straightforward divorce. If you both agree on all the same terms and go your separate ways without having to worry about who will live where and whether anyone is owed anything, you don't need to do much more than signing some divorce paperwork, which can be done without the help of a lawyer.

However, if you aren't splitting up on good terms or if there is even one stipulation you don't agree on, it is a good idea to consider hiring a divorce attorney to work with. Your lawyer will make sure that your best interests are kept in mind when hashing all the stipulations of your divorce out. And they'll be there to represent you if you end up having to fight your spouse in court for any reason.

Are Finances and Assets Complicated?

You may not need the help of a lawyer if you don't have any money or assets to split up between yourself and your spouse. But if you're like most people, this just isn't the case. You might not agree about whether to sell your home and split the money or to keep the house so one person can live in it. Or you may not see eye-to-eye when it comes to what should be done with the furniture and décor inside the family home.

Even if you aren't having any disagreements about your finances and assets now, but to be sure that your best interests aren't forfeited while negotiating your divorce terms, you should make sure that you are represented by a divorce attorney. You may find that things aren't as straightforward as you thought once negotiations get started, and you'll be glad you have someone there in your corner who knows the law and understands the negotiation process.

Do You Have Children?

Another thing to consider when deciding whether to hire a lawyer is whether you have children. Kids don't have a say in the matter of your divorce, for the most part, so you'll be relied upon to make sure their best interests are made a priority. The kids don't need the extra pressure from their parents squabbling over child custody or support. A divorce lawyer will work with your spouse or their attorney to hash out child issues, so you don't have to deal with the stress of it and pass that stress on to your kids.