Divorce attorneys provide legal guidance and help navigate financial issues like property division and child support. They also offer a steady hand for couples seeking an uncontested divorce.
NYC divorce attorneys will advocate for their clients while providing legal information honestly to ensure a fair settlement. Some may even offer mediation services.
They Can Help You Reach a Settlement
When a couple decides to divorce they must come to an agreement on issues such as property division, custody, and spousal support. A lawyer can help them reach a settlement by drafting a marital settlement agreement, which is also known as a stipulation of settlement. This will be filed with the court and then included in the final divorce decree. The terms contained within this document are legally enforceable, so if either party violates any part of the agreement, they can be forced to comply.
When hiring a divorce attorney, look for one with experience and expertise in the specific areas that are relevant to your case. This may include child-related issues or the complicated division of assets such as retirement accounts, real estate, and investments/stocks. They should also be familiar with the judges and court system in your area. This will enable them to shape their strategy based on the way that individual judges have ruled on similar cases in the past.
They Can Help You Represent Yourself
It’s common to consider representing yourself in a divorce, especially if you think your case will be relatively straightforward. Despite what you might have seen on television, divorces aren’t easy and there are many legal pitfalls that could make your case much more difficult than you think.
Even something as simple as missing a deadline to file paperwork can have an unexpected domino effect that imperils your rights and options. A lawyer can help you avoid such pitfalls and get the ball rolling on your case.
In addition, a good divorce lawyer can help you stay out of court if possible. They may be able to suggest alternative dispute resolution methods for your situation or work to get you a fair settlement without the expense and emotional toll of going to trial. They can also subpoena information from your spouse’s attorney and other sources when needed. This can save you a lot of time and frustration.
They Can Help You Review Your Settlement Agreement
Regardless of whether you reach your settlement outside of court or through mediation, divorce lawyers can help you draw up an agreement that fits your needs. Even if your spouse’s attorney drafts the document, it is wise to have your own attorney go over it to ensure that all provisions are in order.
For example, it is important to include a detailed breakdown of how you plan to divide your assets and property, including a valuation. It’s also a good idea to include details about spousal support, such as the amount, frequency and duration. You can even decide to specify circumstances under which spousal support may be modified or terminated, such as when one party remarries. It’s important to be as clear as possible to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes in the future.
They Can Help You File for Divorce
Divorce lawyers act as an objective third party in a highly emotional process. Their objective perspective can help individuals remain levelheaded and focused on reaching a resolution.
Divorces are often lengthy, complex affairs that include many issues related to child custody, property division and alimony. They can also be emotionally charged, especially if there is conflict between the spouses.
It is important to choose a divorce lawyer who aligns with your approach. For example, some attorneys work in a collaborative style that aims to minimize conflict and settle divorces outside of court. Others may take a more aggressive approach.
In addition, many online divorce services connect you with attorneys, divorce paralegals and other legal professionals who can answer specific legal questions or review your drafts. These types of limited-scope consultations can be more affordable than hiring a full-service divorce attorney to handle your case from start to finish. However, you should make your needs clear to the professional you hire.Scheidungsanwalt
