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5 Ways a Divorce Lawyer Can Help You

Did you know there were 630,000 divorces in the United States in 2020? While the overall rate of divorces across the country is dropping, divorces among people 50 and older are climbing.

If you face the prospect of divorce, you need counsel from a reputable divorce attorney. A lot is at stake when you consider things like custody, property, assets, and spousal support. You’ll want to know how to proceed and achieve the best outcome possible in light of the circumstances.

What follows is a look at five ways a divorce lawyer can help if you’re getting a divorce.

Explain the Grounds for Securing Divorce

A divorce attorney can help you by explaining the grounds under which you can file for a divorce. The state you live in will factor into how you proceed. While all states accept no-fault divorce, some states mandate that the spouses live apart for a certain amount of time before the courts can agree to dissolve the marital arrangement. You can count on the lawyer you hire to advise you on the best course of action. You’ll learn about all the options on the table, the pros and cons of each option, and other things you need to know to make the right decisions.

Represent You In Court

While you have the right to represent yourself in court, that’s not the best course of action. A divorce lawyer can litigate your case if you elect to go that route. Family law is complex. You need an experienced attorney specializing in family law, particularly divorce law. You don’t want to hire someone who dabbles in various areas of the law with no specific specialization. A skilled family law attorney will construct a case designed to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Negotiate a Settlement

It’s possible to secure a divorce without enduring a drawn-out court battle with your ex. The family law attorney you hire can assist you in negotiating a divorce settlement. Going this route is often less traumatic, faster, and more cost-effective than a contentious court case. As long as you and your spouse are committed to negotiating a settlement rather than battling out in court, a settlement can be in both of your best interests. If children are involved, then working toward a settlement will make even more sense.

Explain Property Division Issues

Another way a divorce attorney can help you is by explaining property division matters. It can be difficult for most people to understand how property is divided after a marriage has ended. Did you and your spouse each bring real estate into the marriage? How will these properties be divided in a divorce situation? If either of you signed a prenuptial or post-nuptial pact, the lawyer will be able to explain how these agreements can impact the division of property.

Help With Custody Arrangements

If you and your spouse have children, you’ll need help with custody arrangements. Again, things will work out better for all parties involved if you and your spouse can reach a mutually acceptable arrangement. You can count on your divorce attorney to explain your options, answer your questions, and help you finalize an agreement pertaining to custody arrangements. 

These are some of the ways a divorce lawyer can help you. While going through a divorce can be a traumatic experience, hiring the right lawyer can make the process a little less daunting. You’ll get the counsel you need, get answers to your questions, and have someone to represent you in court. Do your research and find an experienced divorce attorney who meets your specific needs.