Divorce Lawyers And Custody Disputes
If you are planning to go to divorce court alone, you are making a very costly mistake. Divorce court is no place for an unrepresented party, particularly where there are significant assets or children involved. You need a divorce attorney to help you divide assets fairly and determine a workable custody and child support arrangement.
You need a competent and qualified divorce attorney to help you navigate the winding corridors of your state’s family court system. Take a few seconds to read this short article. You will learn how having a divorce attorney could save you thousands of dollars and ensure that you maintain proper access to your children.
Property and assets are a major point of contention in a divorce proceeding. Having more property, money and assets makes the entire divorce more complicated. In dividing the property, each party must make a determine of both the fair market value of the property (as well as its value to each party).
While this might be straightforward with respect to retirement accounts, cash and marketable securities, valuing a business or other intangible asset is more complicated. A competent divorce attorney has the expertise to help you determine the value of each asset. Even though property is a major concern, it is custody and support that constitutes the greatest complicating factor in a divorce
Many divorce proceedings get ugly when it comes time to negotiate custody arrangements. The legal standard in most states is to fashion a solution that is in “the best interest of the children.”
Unfortunately, many loving parents forget that this is the legal (and moral) standard. Instead, they act irrational and often use the children as “weapons” to hurt the estranged spouse. A divorce attorney can help the parties act more rationally and avoid harming the children. The complicating factors associated with custody are enough of a reason to justify retaining a divorce lawyer. Custody and support should be left to professionals.
If you have property or custody issues, you have no business representing yourself. Instead, you need to hire a divorce attorney who can help you protect your rights. Find an attorney by researching them on the internet or asking trusted friends or relatives for a referral.
But, remember, you need to find an attorney that practices family law because only a divorce lawyer has the experience and expertise to address the complications surrounding valuation of assets and calculation of child support and custody or minor children. A divorce lawyer will help you draft a settlement agreement that preserves and protects your rights as well as the rights of your children. If the case goes to trial, a divorce attorney will ensure that the court system treats you with the respect and dignity you deserve. All in all, the divorce attorney will be “in your corner” protecting your interests at a time where you will not be thinking or acting rationally.
Look, representing yourself in a divorce proceeding is a stupid move, especially if you have a lot of property or you have minor children. It is difficult to value and fairly divide property, particularly where your spouse is represented and you are not. More importantly, where you have to negotiate child support and custody, you are at a significant disadvantage when compared to someone who is represented by competent divorce counsel.
When you are dealing with either of these issues, hiring a divorce attorney represents a smart investment in terms of time and money. You are not a lawyer and your divorce is not a “do it yourself” project.
Find out more on how to select a divorce lawyer.
