Why You Need An Attorney For Divorce

Many people feel that their divorce is simple and can be accomplished without the help of an attorney.  In addition, those who feel that they would like to hire an attorney, do not do so because they feel that an attorney is too costly and they cannot afford to have one.

However, filing for divorce without an attorney can lead to more problems and expense than anticipated.  The most important reason to hire an attorney is so that he/she can help you to understand your legal rights.  The role of an attorney is to give you legal advice and to make you aware of your legal rights.  In most cases, people do not know or understand their rights.  Legal rights impact division of property and debts, spousal support, as well as child issues like custody, visitation and support.  Only an attorney can help you understand these vital issues.  An attorney will also make you aware of the law so that sound decisions can be made.  Even in simple cases, when a client thinks that there are no issues—in most cases, there are issues!  Often people who do not have legal training and are inexperienced and so do not know what constitutes property and what is considered debt.  People think of property as a house, whereas property is assets which could consist of investments, retirement funds as well as a house or condo.  In addition, people need an attorney to help get the divorce through the system.  Filing for divorce is complicated and requires several steps.  In addition, filling out the legal forms is difficult and confusing.  An attorney can do the legal paperwork for you, thereby avoiding costly and time consuming mistakes.

What are the consequences of filing a divorce incorrectly?  The consequences can be devastating.  You may lose your legal rights to children or property.  You may be sued by creditors leaving you no recourse.  Incorrect filing could affect an inheritance.  Further, incorrect filing could cause the divorce to be reopened at a later date with increased fees and liabilities.

You now have several reasons why you should consult an attorney for you divorce—but what about the cost?  Most attorneys charge an hourly rate of $250 to $500 or more plus they request a retainer of $2,000 to $20,000 or more.  In addition, this fee may not cover the cost of the divorce—the cost could and often does escalate further!  This is why Legal Action Workshop created our attorney-assisted method.  By using the attorney-assisted method you get to have an attorney at a low flat fee!  Our flat fee model continues even if your divorce is contested!  By using this method, you get a consultation with an experienced attorney, attorney oversight throughout your case, the serving and filing of you legal documents and other options if changes occur.  Even if you wish to hire an attorney to fully represent you, you have already saved hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars by using our method.

Stephen Drucker is a divorce attorney in Culver City and Glendale, California.