6 Services To Expect From A Divorce Lawyer

Last Updated on January 3, 2023 by Joshua Isibor

No one enters into a marriage expecting it to end in divorce. But unfortunately, it does happen. When things unravel and couples decide to part ways, it can be an emotional time for everyone involved.

If you’re in the process of getting a divorce or are considering one, it’s essential to understand and know your rights. The best way to move forward and protect your best interests is to work with a legal professional.

Professional divorce lawyers are your law partner, advocate, and ally. They can handle all aspects of your case, so you don’t have to worry about the intricacies of the law. They can also provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time in your life.

So, what can you expect from your lawyer? Here are six services they can provide for you:

1. Draft And Review Divorce Documents

Your divorce lawyer will draft all the documents necessary to file for divorce. This document includes the petition, financial disclosures, and other required forms. In addition, they’ll review all the documents with you to make sure you understand them and are in agreement with what they say. If there are any differences, your lawyer can work out a compromise on any points you disagree about.

2. Legal Representation

You’ll have an advocate on your side who’s familiar with all aspects of divorce law and can guide you through each step in the process. Attorneys can quickly identify potential problems and resolve them before they become more significant.

Your lawyer will provide you with the support and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your case. They’ll keep you updated on what’s happening, what to expect next, and how to protect your best interests.

3. Advice On Child Custody And Support

Some of the issues you need to discuss with your divorce lawyer include child-related matters. These matters involve sensitive and critical topics, such as child support, visitation rights, college education, dental and medical insurance, and claiming children as tax dependents. All of these things entail careful consideration to ensure the child’s health, safety, and welfare.

Both parents have the right to seek custody of their children in a divorce. But because you’re no longer together, this can be more complicated. A divorce lawyer will help you understand what to expect during custody proceedings and work to get the best outcome for you and your children. They’ll also guide child support and help you negotiate a fair agreement that meets the needs of your entire family.

Additionally, a divorce lawyer might create a plan on how your relationship with your children will change after the divorce. If you and your spouse can communicate, they’ll try to get both parties on the same page about how you’ll share parenting.

4. Division Of Assets And Liabilities

When you get divorced, all the property and debts you and your spouse acquired while married is divided between you. This can be a complicated process, especially if you and your spouse have a lot of assets.

Under the divorce law, couples face property issues, such as home equity, division of home furnishings, motor vehicles, retirement benefits, and estate plan. Along with these issues, they fight over their savings accounts and investments, such as bonds, stocks, and funds. Debts, hidden assets, and business assets are included as well.

Your attorney will help ensure everything is accounted for and that each party receives what they’re entitled to. It considers property, money, and other assets such as cars and retirement accounts.

5. Negotiate A Settlement Agreement Or Mediation

If you can reach an agreement about the terms of your divorce, your lawyer can take this to court, so it becomes part of your legal documents. But if you can’t come to terms with your soon-to-be-ex, divorce mediation may be necessary.

In this process, both parties agree on a third party who’ll help find common ground and resolve issues outside of court. Your lawyer is present throughout these discussions and enables you to understand how you can benefit from coming up with a solution that works for both parties.

6. Help You Get Alimony

In some cases, one spouse may be ordered to pay alimony (or spousal support) to the other after a divorce. This order is money that helps the receiving party maintain their standard of living after the marriage ends.

Your divorce lawyer will work with you to determine if you’re eligible for alimony and then assist you in getting the most out of your claim. This includes negotiating for a higher amount, helping you prove you need it, and making sure payments are made on time.

High angle of woman consulting divorce with lawyer

How To Find The Right Divorce Attorney

Finding a good lawyer is essential when having a divorce. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you?

To help you out, here are some qualifications to look for when choosing a divorce attorney:

• Knowledgeable

Be sure your lawyer is well-versed in the laws of divorce for your state. They should be up to date with any changes that might affect your case and know what issues will be most crucial when it comes time for you to make decisions. This ensures they can represent you best.

Furthermore, they should have good connections with family-court prosecutors and judges who handle divorce cases. So, hiring a locally based family lawyer with a stellar reputation, such as one from Simple Divorce in Mississauga or any trusted family law firm in your area, is advisable.

• Negotiation Skills

Since negotiations are a significant part of divorce law, you want an attorney to keep the discussion civil and find mutually beneficial solutions. This can help keep both parties in check and ensure no one walks away feeling like they didn’t get the best deal possible.

• Excellent Communication Ability

Your lawyer should explain things clearly and keep you informed on what’s happening in your case. They should be easy to reach, return phone calls promptly, and answer any questions you might have about the process.

• Extensive Experience

Aside from child support, property, and spousal issues, an experienced divorce lawyer deals with other issues, such as domestic violence, parental kidnapping, child abuse, and order for protection. 

You want an attorney with extensive family law experience and who knows how to handle divorce cases. They should be up to date on the latest developments and have a good track record.

This characteristic ensures they’re qualified to handle your specific case and know the ropes of navigating the legal system.

• Compassionate

Your divorce is likely to be a difficult time emotionally, and you’ll need someone on your side who understands what you’re going through. Your lawyer should show empathy and be supportive during this time. They should also be discreet about anything you discuss with them so you can feel comfortable opening up.

• Trustworthy

Above all, you need to be able to trust your lawyer. They’ll have access to intimate details of your personal life, and you’ll be counting on them to handle everything reasonably. Do some research ahead of time and ask around for recommendations to find someone you feel confident with.

You’ll need a trustworthy lawyer to whom you’ll entrust important documents, such as prenuptial agreement, proof of your income, stock portfolios, trusts, bank, pension, and retirement account statements. Hence, you need a lawyer who will safeguard your privacy and maintain confidentiality.

Takeaway

Ending a marriage is never easy, but having a reliable divorce lawyer by your side can make the process a little bit less daunting. If you’re considering filing for divorce, it’d be best to contact a legal representative to discuss your situation. They’ll tailor their services to meet your specific needs.

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