When considering a separation or divorce, it might be tempting to try and do it yourself. After all, there are plenty of websites out there advertising cheap and easy forms to download, fill out and file, thereby avoiding potentially expensive legal fees and court costs, right? Well, as the old adage goes, “if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”
Here are the five reasons why you should always consult a lawyer when contemplating separation or divorce.
1. Potentially Saving Money on Legal Fees in the Long Run
By initially consulting with an experienced divorce attorney, parties understand their rights and obligations from the very beginning which will avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications which can lead to associated unnecessary legal fees and court costs. When parties have been educated on the process by an experienced divorce attorney, often times they are able to come to a fair and reasonable agreement quickly and easily outside of court. On the other hand, trying to research and navigate the system on your own ends up being “penny-wise, dollar foolish” as incorrect assumptions are made that result in inaccuracies that will incur additional legal fees to correct.
2. Ensuring a Fair Deal
Separation and divorce are stressful and emotional times in a person’s life. Most individuals enter into the process already fragile, with particular concerns involving finances, custody, and visitation. An experienced divorce attorney is able to approach your case holistically—looking at all of the unique factors to be able to advocate a fair and equitable agreement. If trying to come to an agreement on your own, it is possible to potentially short change yourself in some areas because you’re too focused on other areas that seem more important to you at that time.
3. Reducing Stress
By the time parties are contemplating separation and divorce, there is already an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. With this, communications between the parties can become emotional, unproductive and destructive. By hiring an experienced divorce attorney, each party is able to “speak through” their attorney and alleviate undue stress and avoid any further deterioration of the relationship.
4. Avoiding Mistakes
Divorce attorneys are just that—Divorce attorneys. They have dedicated their careers to helping many clients over many years successfully navigate separations and divorces. They have experience with a multitude of different scenarios and situations and are able to use that vast amount of information and expertise to handle your case. While the online forms might seem straightforward and easy to” fill and file”, mistakes can be made that can be costly—both financially and emotionally.
5. Ensuring a Clear Agreement
After all of the hard work and effort it takes to come to terms with your spouse, it is imperative that the separation agreement clearly states exactly what you have agreed to. Parties end up back in court due to confusion over ambiguous wording in the separation agreement. So, not only is a solid separation agreement instrumental in setting a strong foundation in this new chapter of your lives, it ensures that nothing is left up to misinterpretation which can lead to additional unnecessary stress, legal fees, and court costs.
Schedule a Consultation with Alexander and Doyle
If you need an experienced divorce attorney in Cary or the greater Wake County area, contact Alexander & Doyle, PA today. Call us at 919-380-1001, or fill out the form below.