When two people fall in love and get married, the last thing on their minds is filing for a divorce.
But if that nightmare scenario does materialize at some point, they’ll need help from a lawyer.
The average percentage of marriages in the U.S. that end in divorce is between 40% and 50%. And while the overall divorce rate in the country is declining, divorces among people 50 years old and above are rising.
If the unthinkable occurs and you need help, here are some ways a family law attorney can help.
Learn Your Options
You’ll want a family law lawyer to lay out your options if you’re getting divorced. As long as your spouse is reasonable and wants to pursue a course of action that calls for as little drama as possible, you’ll have more options on the table. A family law lawyer will be able to explain options that you may not have considered. It’s hard to make informed decisions if you don’t understand the courses of action available to you. So, be attentive and make the right choices.
Ensure You’re Being Reasonable
When it comes to divorce cases, emotions often run high. It’s understandable, given that divorces can be life-altering and traumatic. But one of the things a family law lawyer can do for you is let you know whether what you want is reasonable. It’s best to avoid a contentious court case if you have kids with your spouse. A settlement will be preferable, if at all possible. Your lawyer will be able to let you know if what you or your soon-to-be ex-spouse want is reasonable. Give and take is essential, and the lawyer you retain will be able to provide professional and objective advice.
Know What You’re Getting and Giving Up
You’ll also want a lawyer to help you understand what you will receive and what you’ll give up. Knowing these things will ensure you understand the potential outcomes of different choices. If you try to do these things alone, you might do more harm than good. It’s best to hire an experienced family law attorney who can ensure you understand exactly what’s at stake. This will be especially important if child custody, alimony, or property issues need to be worked out.
Settle the Case If Possible
Divorces can get costly if the court case gets contentious and become protracted. A good family law lawyer will seek to settle the case. While this will save you a lot of money, it will also make life easier for you, your spouse, and any children you might have. Lawyers are, by nature, good at negotiating. They can try to get the principal parties to settle rather than take cases to court.
Get Answers to Questions
Another reason it makes sense to consult a family law attorney is that the legal professional will answer any questions you may have. In fact, it’s a certainty that you will have questions. Lots of them. You need answers to these questions if you’re going to make informed decisions. When looking for a family law attorney, ensure the one you choose answers your questions. Family law can be complicated, so you need to work with someone who can break things down.
Receive Help Filing Out Documents
A family law lawyer will also ensure that all the paperwork that needs to be filled in is done properly and is submitted to the proper authorities on time.
If you need a family law attorney, you must ensure you find the right one. Don’t just choose the first one you find in a directory. With so much at stake, you’ll want to find the right person for the job.
