Do You Really Need a Divorce Lawyer? Three Reasons to Consider.
Some couples may be in a situation where they are both certain that their divorce will be clean, easy and 100% amicable and in those cases filing for divorce may seem like something that can be done on their own. Perhaps that is true, but there are some reasons that apply even to the friendliest of soon-to-be exes when considering whether or not you want to hire a divorce attorney.
1. Avoid Mistakes and Delays or Future Complications.
Completing forms incorrectly or completing the wrong forms at the courthouse can cause unnecessary delays in your divorce process. This could include wasting your time going to court before even finding out that documents were not done correctly or not filed with proper information – and then having to redo it and go back again. An attorney can guide you through this process and ensure that the information that the court needs at any specific stage along the way is done right; and you really only want to go through all the steps of a divorce one time. After your divorce is finalized, knowing that each step was guided by expert legal counsel and any agreements were drafted in proper form and using legally required language is something that can give you peace of mind to know that those agreements are binding in the future. While there are no guarantees in any area of the law – each case is fact-dependent and court-dependent – having the right attorney draft and file requisite documents will ensure your case moves efficiently and properly through the system.
2. Reduce Stress and Anxiety Surrounding the Process.
Divorce, no matter how amicable it may be, can cause stress in a person’s life. From having to take time off work to go to court or spending hours gathering documents and preparing legal pleadings or other filings, having an experienced attorney on board will give you more time to breathe. One of the main jobs of your divorce attorney is to reduce your stress – to explain things to you clearly, to ensure you understand the process in and out of court, to communicate to you exactly what you need to be doing, to complete filings properly, to meet deadlines, to review documents you gather, to strategize with you based on the attorney’s experience in the Illinois courtroom, and to speak with other attorneys who may be on the case (such as your spouse’s attorney). Your attorney will be someone to turn to with questions as they arise so that you never feel in the dark. Hiring the right attorney will allow you to sleep soundly at night knowing that the future, post-divorce chapter of your life is in the hands of someone with experience walking down this path before.
3. Have an Expert on Your Side and as Your Advocate.
There is only so much that a person can Google or learn from friends who may have been through this process. Having the right attorney puts an expert in the field of family law right in your pocket. An attorney with experience in the Illinois courtrooms will know how different judges and court officials prefer their cases be handled and will know the temperaments of the courts and what specific judges will be looking for from the parties. That such knowledge is priceless and can only be garnered by working on cases in the courtroom every week. Beyond hands-on experience and ‘insider’ courtroom information, an attorney can give you legal advice based on statutory law and caselaw to help you determine or predict how certain facts or issues may resolve in your case. The attorney has in-depth knowledge of your rights and obligations and can help you leave no stone unturned as you prepare for, litigate, and resolve your divorce case. They can step in to ensure that your interests are protected – whether in the courtroom or in negotiations with the other party.
Ultimately, whether you want or need an attorney will be your decision; but to avoid costly mistakes – emotional tolls, lost time or potential financial losses – schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys. We offer initial consultations at no charge and can speak with you about your specific situation, explain what benefits you may find in hiring us versus going at it on your own and we can match you with an attorney that best fits your needs. Call 847-380-3175 or send us a message to set up a appointment at our office.