Filing for divorce is an extremely stressful time for everyone involved. But, do you really need legal counsel if you feel you can handle it all by yourself? Here are just a few reasons why you should never file for divorce without a lawyer.
Time
Regardless of how simple you may feel your divorce will be, it is easy to underestimate the amount of time divorce proceedings can take. Navigating the maze that is the State of New York court system can be particularly tricky for the uninitiated.
One of the most confusing aspects of representing yourself during divorce proceedings is the sheer amount of paperwork that needs to be handled. You’ll first need to figure out which court forms and documents are required (the New York State online docu
ment services are often incomplete or unreliable), when and where they need to be filed and then serve your spouse by providing them with copies of the paperwork. If your divorce is acrimonious, this may result in petty squabbling. This means you may be forced to return to the court to deal with paperwork issues continually.
As you can see, the administrative side of divorce takes a considerable amount of time and patience. If you have a normal life to lead – with work, children or any other daily responsibilities – it is not in your best interest to file for divorce without a lawyer.
Children
Perhaps the most critical consideration when filing for divorce is your children. It is essential that you have a detailed parenting plan and schedule. You will need to figure out who will have legal custody of the children with your spouse. You will also need to determine where your children will live, as well as setting up visitation rights and establishing post-divorce parenting rules.
If your divorce is acrimonious, agreeing to these crucial arrangements may prove an impossibility. Even if the divorce is amicable, arguments could still arise. Plus, if you make a mistake on just one aspect of these arrangements, your post-divorce preparations for your children could end up in chaos. To make sure your children’s lives and schedules are not turned upside down, it is crucial that you utilize the expertise of an experienced divorce attorney to ensure your separation doesn’t become a nightmare.
Assets
If you and your spouse have any assets, be it real estate, retirement funds, or bank accounts, it is essential that you retain the services of a divorce lawyer. Dividing assets, particularly retirement plans, may require a special court order, meaning the process is a veritable minefield of legal loopholes. It can prove problematic for anyone inexperienced, meaning you may lose out on massive amounts of money – and your future security – if not handled properly. It can be even trickier dividing up bank accounts or planning for future alimony payments. To ensure your assets are adequately divided – and that your financial is secure – please be sure to work with an experience divorce layer.
Emotions
Divorce can be an emotional roller coaster. It can affect every aspect of your life. Lawyers are most certainly not therapists. They do, however, offer a wealth of knowledge and a called “legal counselors” for a reason. They can listen to and understand your pain and anger and can help you formulate your goals and aspirations.
Hire a Brooklyn Divorce Attorney
While filing for divorce can be a difficult decision, choosing the right attorney doesn’t have to be. Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C. is one of the most trusted names in New York when it comes to divorce. Brian and his experienced team are aggressive, intelligent and strategic. They work diligently with clients and customize representation strategies to fit individual needs. So if you’re looking for a divorce attorney who will fight for you, call Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C. today at 718-875-7584 for your free consultation and learn why we’re New York’s premier divorce law firm.