If you are in the process of divorcing your spouse, you are probably wondering whether you can use the same lawyer, or if it is even necessary to have a lawyer at all. As a family lawyer can explain, there are a few reasons why you and your spouse should each consider hiring a lawyer to see you through the divorce process.
Paperwork Done Correctly
The law can be complicated at times, and although you know what you want out of your divorce, it can be hard to put it on paper in a manner that the court will recognize. Your lawyers can prepare legal documents and outline such agreements as alimony, child custody arrangements, and division of property and assets. The lawyers can see to it that everything is done properly with no mistakes.
Professional Legal Advice
Some states do not divide assets and properly equally. Your lawyers can give you and your ex-spouse advice on what your rights are, what you are entitled to from your ex, and how you can move forward with the proceedings.
Significantly Reduced Stress
Divorce is stressful enough already. Add the complicated legal system to the mix and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Your lawyers can manage the entire legal side of things so that you can focus on yourself and your family during this difficult time.
Increased Efficiency
A family lawyer who specializes in divorce can keep the proceedings moving along fairly quickly. If you attempt to handle your divorce yourself or if you and your ex-spouse share the same lawyer, matters can become convoluted and the divorce proceedings can be drawn out over a longer period of time. Hiring lawyers may cost you and your spouse some money, but in the long run it will make the process run more smoothly.
Can You and Your Spouse Use the Same Lawyer if You Are Parting Amicably?
Even if you are fortunate enough to be parting amicably, it is not recommended that you share the same lawyer. Even if you are cordial with one another and you both agree on all of the terms of the divorce decree, you are still two opposing parties in court. One lawyer cannot represent two opposing parties. Also, even an amicable divorce is stressful and complicated, and it can quickly become messy when you try to deal with it yourselves.
Whether a divorce is volatile or amicable, the safest option is for you and your spouse to hire separate family lawyers to see that things are settled quickly, cleanly, and to everyone’s satisfaction.