If you are thinking about getting a divorce, you may be wondering if you should hire a divorce attorney and when. Before you make a decision, you need to understand your circumstances. Consider speaking with an attorney as soon as possible, so you can discuss your divorce goals. Some seek legal advice early in the process, usually before their separation. Others hire a lawyer after dealing with all the challenges of self-representation. To help you decide when exactly to hire a divorce attorney, keep reading:
Working with a Lawyer Early in the Process
By working with a divorce attorney early in the process, you can gain some benefits, especially if you have a complex case. Complex divorces include those that involve children and high assets. If you think a court battle will occur, you should prepare your case early. For instance, if you will be fighting for child custody, your attorney can provide you with related advice before you file for divorce. This way, you can demonstrate a favorable status quo, which is an important legal principle in Utah.
In addition, working with an attorney early allows you to prepare financially for your divorce and strengthen your arguments for matters such as alimony, possession of your marital home, and child support.
Hiring an Attorney Later in the Process
If your divorce has contested issues or if it has been a long time since you and your spouse separated and aren’t in a hurry to get a divorce, you may work with an attorney later in the game. But don’t make the mistake of not hiring an attorney early just to avoid legal fees. While lawyers cost money, a divorce decree has long-term repercussions. Thus, it is important to have the divorce done right. Sometimes, hiring an attorney to fix the issues you may have caused in your case after trying to do it all alone can be more expensive than hiring one from the get-go. In addition, some cases are quite serious and must be left to the pros. Whether your case involves domestic violence, substance abuse, proactive orders, or domestic abuse, you must seek the help of an experienced divorce lawyer as soon as possible.
If you are not sure about when to get a divorce attorney on board, schedule an initial consultation to know the best course of action. An attorney can offer you a free case assessment and help you determine whether you need their services immediately or later.
