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5 Indications You DO Need A Divorce Attorney To File For A Divorce

6 May 2016 by Daryl Young

You may be able to print and fill out divorce paperwork on your own, but in some cases, it is a better idea to leave this legal matter in the hands of a true professional. While some can tackle a DIY divorce without issues, there are other circumstances when hiring a divorce attorney may be the better option. 

1. If both of you do not want a divorce. Sometimes divorce is a mutual decision between two people who can still get along, but in other cases, filing for a divorce is not an amicable decision. If you want a divorce but your partner does not or refuses to cooperate, it is always best to get the advice of an attorney before you go and try to file your own paperwork. 
2. You have children involved. Having children with a partner adds an extra layer of complexity when a marriage dissolves. You could be facing custody issues, disagreements over who has the children's things, and other conflicts. Working with an attorney who is familiar with family law is always the best choice over trying to navigate this complex ordeal on your own. 
3. Your spouse is MIA. You may have been separated for years, but in some states, filing for an uncontested divorce when a spouse is missing in action will be a difficult feat. Hire an attorney who can help you navigate state laws concerning a long-lost spouse who you would like to legally detach from. 
4. You or your spouse have a great deal of assets. Dividing assets in a divorce - even an amicable one - can get pretty challenging even with the basics. However, if you or your spouse have several homes and cars or a lot of personal property, it is better to hire an attorney for divorce instead of trying to DIY the process. It usually takes a third-party to figure out a fair division that both parties can agree upon. 
5. You and your partner cannot get along. Divorce requires communication, especially if you want the process to go smoothly. If you and your soon-to-be ex cannot be in a room together for more than a few minutes without tempers flaring, it is best to leave the legal filing process to an attorney. It is all too easy to make a costly mistake when you try to file on your own and there are steaming emotions involved. 

Contact a divorce attorney in your area today for more information.

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