A divorce lawyer can give you clear legal advice that takes into account the specifics of your case. They will also help you navigate the emotional turmoil of divorce and ensure that your rights and interests are protected.
Marriages end for a variety of reasons, from infidelity to financial betrayal. It’s almost always in your best interest to hire a divorce lawyer.
They Can Help You Draft Settlement Agreements
A divorce settlement agreement is a legal document that can cover a variety of topics including custody, financial support, and property division. Darren Shapiro can help his clients create an enforceable agreement that covers all of their interests.
The first step in drafting a settlement agreement is gathering sufficient information about the case and its players. This includes interviewing each party and establishing what is important to them. It also means avoiding sensitive issues like discussing the past and assigning fault.
After collecting all of this information, a lawyer can help draft an agreement that meets the parties’ needs and complies with the law. This may include addressing child custody issues (either joint legal custody, which gives each parent the right to make decisions about their children’s health and welfare, or sole physical custody), setting a parenting schedule, and specifying holidays and school breaks. It can also include stipulations about future modifications and how those modifications will be handled.
They Can Help You Avoid Mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes you can make during a divorce is moving out of your home too quickly. This can put your children and spouse in a stressful situation and can also result in high legal fees for attorneys, paralegals, expert witnesses and mental health professionals.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid putting out negative information on social media or leaving damaging text messages or voice mails. These digital trails can be used against you in custody and visitation, property division or other contested matters.
It’s also important to find a lawyer that you get along with and who is compatible with your personality. You will be sharing sensitive information with your attorney, so it’s crucial that you are able to communicate effectively and trust them. When you meet with potential lawyers, treat it like an audition and ask a lot of questions. This will help you determine if they are the right fit for your case.
They Can Help You Negotiate
Divorce lawyers know the law and can help you negotiate a settlement agreement. These documents settle issues such as alimony, child custody, visitation and the division of assets and debts. They can also help you determine if an item, asset or debt is marital or separate property.
A divorce lawyer can help you reach an agreement on these issues and avoid costly court battles and an outcome that neither party wanted. A divorce attorney can help you craft an agreement that takes into account factors such as your income and the earning capacity of your spouse, the number of nights your children spend with each parent and any special needs your children may have.
While some divorce attorneys offer mediation services, it’s against the rules of professional conduct in nearly all states to continue representing a client when that attorney is also acting as a mediator for the same case. A divorce lawyer who only represents one party to a divorce can focus on providing honest legal information to their client and seeking a fair settlement.
They Can Help You Work Through Conflict
If you and your spouse are able to agree on some things, such as child custody, spousal support, or property division, divorce lawyers can help you get those terms down on paper. This can avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict later on.
They can also provide guidance and advocacy as you and your spouse work toward a settlement that prioritizes your children’s well-being, or negotiate fair alimony agreements. They can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, and the laws in your state, as they relate to these issues.
Be careful to choose an attorney that will work for you, not against you. Would your attorney support a decision to seek a settlement outside of court? Do they have a history of battling even minor issues before a judge? Choosing the right lawyer can save you time, money, and stress. The best way to find out is by asking lots of questions during your consultation.