The divorce process is never an easy one. Emotions fly while stress and anxiety are high. There are many questions that run through your head as you worry about what life will look like after the divorce, who gets what, or how the children will be affected.
Hiring a divorce lawyer can help to calm the anxiety and make the process run much smoother. They know the current laws in your area (some places are changing their laws to make it more difficult to get a divorce) keep up with court procedures and making sure all paperwork is filed correctly. But how do you know that is the right step for you?
Some situations that may lead you to considering speaking with a divorce lawyer:
- You’re considering getting a divorce.
- You want to know what your options are when it comes to a divorce.
- Your partner has served you with divorce papers.
- You think your spouse is talking with a divorce lawyer.
- You fear your spouse wants a divorce and may be hiding your shared assets.
There are a few different areas that can add complexity to the situation, including the following:
Children
In the end, the custody of the child should be decided on what is in the best interest for the child. Figuring out child support is difficult, but that is not the only issue that will come up. Make sure not to overlook the possibility of future college payments, and allotting visitation arrangements. Seeing the big picture of fair and equitable responsibilities will be a very important part of mapping out your children’s futures.
Assets
The longer you have been married, the more assets you will have, and your savings account isn’t the only thing that may need splitting up. Think about housing, vehicles, various investments, retirement plans, etc. Having a lawyer involved to make sure things are done fairly is very important. The more assets that come into play, the more you need an attorney to help. There are also negative assets, debts that need to be taken into consideration as well.
The more complex you feel your divorce could be, the more important it will be to have a good attorney. It’s important to be aware that each divorce is different and varies on an individual basis. If you and your spouse are unable to agree on any part of the divorce, it’s in your best interest to speak with a lawyer. While skimping on a lawyer may save money in the near term, it may cost you in the long run.
Tracy Lyson is an experienced family law attorney and can help answer any questions you have when it comes to divorce cases. Call 701-235-8000 or 877-235-8002 today to get in touch. All information and inquiries will be confidential.
