If you want to get a divorce, you should definitely hire an attorney. Here’s how a divorce lawyer can help you through the process.

Are you in the midst of getting a divorce?

If so, you should consider hiring an attorney. Divorces can become difficult even when both spouses agree to part ways. Many divorcing couples realize that they have competing notions of who should get what. If children are involved, you may also encounter disputes pertaining to custody.

But sometimes, one spouse becomes uncertain if they need a divorce lawyer. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explain the top 7 reasons you should hire a divorce attorney. Keep reading to make sure your divorce goes as smoothly as possible!

1. Have Someone Who Can Advocate for You

When you’re in the midst of a divorce, you’ll need someone who can advocate for you. This is especially true if you and your former partner shared a lot of assets.

Once you divorce, everything must get divided between the two of you. If you try to negotiate with your spouse on your own, you might end up not being able to agree. Your spouse may get their own attorney to protect their interests.

When this happens, you should get a divorce lawyer. That way, you can ensure that your preferences get followed as much as possible.

Your attorney can also make sure everything is fair. If the legal professional believes your former spouse is asking for more than would normally get granted, they’ll fight for you.

2. You Can Ask for Legal Advice

Many divorces are filled with legal jargon. In some instances, you may encounter steps in the process that you don’t understand.  If you proceed without an attorney, you may end up making mistakes.

These mistakes can end up delaying or complicating the divorce process. To avoid them, you should consider hiring a lawyer. Then, you can consult your lawyer when you have questions about the process.

Likewise, your lawyer can help you respond in an appropriate manner when your ex makes specific demands. Without an attorney, you might not know how to respond in a way that will protect your interests.

3. Protect Your Rights to Your Children

Divorces become more complicated when children are involved. The divorcing parents often disagree over who should have possession of the children. Custody battles often go to court.

When deciding with whom the children should stay, the authorities try to keep the best interests of the child in mind. Usually, courts will try to keep both parents involved in the lives of the children. Even if one parent has sole custody, the other parent may have visitation rights.

Some parents also have joint custody. This means they each have custody of the children for a specific period of time.

Statistically, women are more likely to get primary custody of their children. Lawyers help ensure everything remains as fair as possible.

If you believe your former spouse poses a danger to your children, you can file for sole custody and restrict your spouse’s access. Your lawyer will help you prove to the court that it’s in your children’s best interest to remain away from your spouse.

If you’re not the parent with primary custody, you’ll also need to pay child support. Your lawyer will help you ensure that the amount does not exceed what you can afford.

4. Communicate Better with Your Spouse

Divorces often involve intense emotions. Throughout the course of the divorce, you may feel anger, betrayal, or even sadness. These emotions are normal, but they can interfere with your ability to communicate with your spouse.

During a divorce, good communication is essential. The better the two parties communicate, the smoother the divorce will be. Yet, you might be quicker to react in frustration because of the emotions you are going through.

A lawyer can talk to your spouse and their legal team for you. They’ll approach the conversation in a professional manner. If you need to talk to your spouse, they’ll give you advice.

5. Remain More Objective

Your emotions also make it harder for you to remain objective. For instance, some divorcing spouses want to keep all their assets or believe they’re entitled to more than their fair share.

A good attorney will let you know what your realistic options are. They’ll fight for what you want using fair and objective legal standards.

6. Make Better Decisions

Sometimes, unexpected things happen during divorces. When this happens, you might not know what to do.

That’s where your divorce lawyer comes in. They can help you review the situation and make the best decision.

7. Have Someone in Your Corner

When you get a divorce, you have a lot to focus on. You might need to move or explain the situation to friends and family. You’ll have to deal with the emotional reactions of your children and the people around you.

You might even need to find a new job if you weren’t the primary breadwinner.

As such, many people who go through a divorce want someone who’s on their side and ready to listen. Divorce lawyers meet you where you’re at and help you get through this period of time.

Ready to Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

If you’re ready to hire a divorce lawyer, you’ve come to the right place.

At Patton Law Office, we help divorcing couples protect their rights and create better lives for themselves post-marriage. We’ve represented hundreds of clients from all walks of life and stuck by them throughout their proceedings.

Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Contact us today to learn more!