5 signs it’s time to consult a divorce lawyer

Sometimes marriage is beyond saving. Sometimes the only rational solution to a strenuous relationship is divorce. With a divorce, however, come other elements like heated conversations, financial stress, parental planning, and much more. There is no way you can navigate the process without the assistance of a good attorney.

As such, we would like to take this opportunity to shed light on 5 signs that indicate you might need the immediate help of a divorce lawyer.

So without much further ado, let’s get started.

How to Choose the Right Divorce Lawyer for Your Situation

Finding the right divorce representation is perhaps the best way to ensure the entire legal process is fast, cheap, and doesn’t become a nightmare for you. 

For starters, you want a divorce lawyer that is board certified and experienced. He or she must possess a proven track record of representing clients on a variety of crucial matters pertaining to a divorce. Begin with reviews and testimonials left behind by clients online to vet a law firm or ask for references from your colleagues, friends, and family.

Before you sign the dotted lines though, make sure you have a face-to-face meeting with the lawyer. Approach them with a set of questions and check how they respond to them. Choose a lawyer that is responsive, patient, and compassionate at addressing whatever questions you throw at them. Lastly, it is essential you go with a local divorce attorney. For instance, if your divorce proceeding is taking place in Michigan, then it is wise to seek divorce legal advice from an attorney in Michigan who is privy to the laws and regulations specific to that state.

The Importance of Consulting a Divorce Lawyer before Filing for Divorce?

It is important you understand that consulting a lawyer before filing for divorce is in your best interest. Nobody knows more about divorce proceedings than an experienced divorce lawyer. They know just how drawn out and expensive the process can become. They are aware of all the state-dictated laws that one must abide by when it comes to divorce.  

They can explain what your options and rights are based on your situation. They can comprehensively explain what the consequences of your decision can be. Hiring a divorce lawyer can give you the advantage you need in court to yield an outcome that falls in your favor. Needless to say, the importance of consulting a lawyer is significant.

The Role of a Divorce Lawyer

The role of a divorce lawyer during divorce proceedings is instrumental, to say the least. Below is a list of key responsibilities you can expect divorce lawyers or family law attorneys to fulfill.

1. A lawyer can provide you with objective advice regarding custody issues, property division, etc.
2. They can help you better understand your divorce rights.
3. They could help you avoid personal contact with your spouse and serve as a go-between for both parties.
4. They can assist with accounting for your marital assets. They can help you locate assets, liabilities, and collect records to ensure the divorce settlement can take account of these possessions.
5. They can devise a strategy that could protect you from debt that should be rightfully attributed to your spouse.
6. They can assess whether you are entitled to spousal support or might be required to pay for it. Either way, their legal representation will be focused on yielding an outcome that serves your best interest.
7. They can assist with crafting a custody plan that takes into account the needs of both the child and parents.
8. They can help deal with mountains of paperwork. They’ll make sure all necessary paperwork is handled and submitted on time.
9. They’ll negotiate for a divorce settlement on your behalf or litigate your case in court if the need arises.

How to Know if it’s Time to Consult a Divorce Lawyer

Here are all the signs that indicate it is time to seek legal advice from a seasoned divorce lawyer:

1) Trust Issues
No marriage can last without trust and mutual understanding between the two spouses. If you feel like you cannot trust your spouse anymore, then it is time to kick-start the divorce process

2) Toxic Relationship
Toxicity in relationships can be emotionally distressing and dangerous. If you believe your marriage has become toxic, then it is time to end it.

3) Disengaged Relationship
Silence and avoidance are signs that the marriage isn’t working anymore. If you and your spouse have completely stopped talking to each other, then it is simply better to file for divorce.

4) Harmed Self-Worth
Constantly doubting oneself can only do harm. It can significantly impact almost all aspects of your life. So talking to a divorce lawyer might be the best thing you can do if feel like your marriage is destroying your self-worth.

5) Abuse
Abuse, whether it is physical or emotional, simply isn’t acceptable. If your spouse constantly subjects you to any form of abuse, then it is time to contact your lawyer to learn about your legal rights.

Furthermore, if there are marital assets or debts involved in your marriage, then you’ll need the insight of a divorce attorney to assess how to best account for them to ensure a fair settlement. The lawyer can help with negotiations to ensure your assets and rights are protected in the ensuing court proceedings.

The Benefits of Hiring a Divorce Lawyer

Here are the advantages of hiring a divorce lawyer’s services

•       They can provide you with objective legal advice
•       They can mediate with the other party on your behalf or litigate your case in court if need be
•       They can explain your options and rights in excruciating detail.
•       When it comes to spousal support or property division, a divorce lawyer will work closely with clients to ensure they get their fair share.
•       They’ll draft and submit paperwork on your behalf
•       They’ll make sure your divorce proceeding is less expensive and isn’t drawn out.

Keep the above divorce lawyer advantages or benefits in mind if you are thinking of filing for divorce. If you are in Michigan, then we suggest you look no further than The Law Offices of Sean Patrick Cox for legal assistance from one of the finest divorce attorneys in town.

First consultation with us is free. So call us now to schedule an appointment.