The
prospect of divorce is unsettling for most people, regardless of the
circumstances. When the issue first arises, it can feel overwhelming because
there’s a lot to think about. It doesn’t matter if you had a long or short
marriage, getting a divorce can be a lot to unpack emotionally. Whether you are
anticipating a financial battle that involves joint assets or an issue with
child custody, it’s important to get all of your ducks in a row. Initially, you
might be tempted to handle the divorce on your own without the help of an
attorney, but that can prove to be a mistake.
If you’re like most people, on the back end you will probably realize that a
divorce is something that should be handled by professionals who know the law
and can serve as a neutral party. A divorce usually involves too many emotions
to handle on your own. For instance, complications with child support Essex County NJ can arise if you are not level-headed at the
time or if you don’t understand the laws in your state. It’s not as simple as
following the instructions of a divorce kit that you found online, the stakes
are too high.
If your spouse has hired a lawyer and you are not represented, you are not on
equal footing because they have access to information that will inevitably
cause the outcome to be in their favor. There are some rare instances when a
divorce lawyer isn’t needed, but it’s always good to consult with a lawyer to
make sure you’re thinking clearly and making wise decisions. Let’s delve into
some of the reasons why you don’t want to represent yourself.
Laws governing matrimony are complicated. There are rules and standards that
vary from state to state, and the judge that handles your divorce will hold you
accountable for knowing the law. While most judges are fair, there have been
instances when judges were not fair because they held a biased opinion. A
lawyer that understands the law is able to watch out for this type of problem,
among others.
It’s also common for someone who is handling their own divorce to cause
frustration during proceedings because they don’t understand the law. A lawyer
understands proper protocol and they can navigate the process in a
way that you simply cannot. Even if you are well-read and generally wise, it’s
difficult to navigate court proceedings and processes adequately without the
proper training. When it comes to the law, there is a good chance that you
don’t know what you don’t know, which means there is probably important
information about your divorce that you simply don’t have. A divorce attorney
understands the ins and outs of divorce and can recommend options that you
might not have otherwise considered.
Most people believe what they see on TV and govern themselves accordingly. This
is a mistake because most of what you see on TV is for dramatic purposes and
does not always accurately represent the law. A good lawyer will help you
understand what is legally acceptable throughout the process of your divorce.