Do I need a divorce attorney if we agree on everything?
The short answer, yes. Here are three key reasons why:
- You may not actually agree on ‘everything’.
There are countless items, assets, debts, and ongoing considerations that require division during a divorce. You may have agreed to split everything 50/50, but do you understand the complicated laws surrounding the division of retirement assets? Have you considered how to split the cost of child-related expenses? Did you put the time into your parenting plan, so that it works not just today, but years from now? A divorce lawyer will ensure that everything has been accounted for legally and practically. Many couples also forget about various shared assets, debts, or responsibilities, which a divorce lawyer knows to address.
- Mediation and the division of assets is an important role of divorce lawyers, but it is not the only role.
You may think you don’t need a lawyer because you don’t require assistance dividing your assets. But this is not the only task that a divorce lawyer completes. Divorce lawyers’ complete paperwork, agreements, and other court requirements to ensure crucial documentation is completed correctly. Sometimes it’s possible to have a divorce without court appearances.
- Divorce without support is stressful, time-consuming, and costly.
You could complete your divorce without a lawyer, but this is not recommended. A divorce without legal guidance is a costly and stressful mistake for many divorcees. Organizing the necessary paperwork and evidence is time-consuming for experienced lawyers, which means it’s even more challenging and demanding for an individual without any legal representation.