When you get married, you expect to be with your spouse for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's Family Database, it's estimated that somewhere between 40% and 50% of married couples in the U.S. file for divorce. If you're going through a legal separation, you may find yourself wondering if you need to hire a divorce attorney. Here are just some of the ways a divorce attorney can help your case.

Helping You Understand the Grounds for Divorce in Your State

Every state has different laws regarding the legitimacy of a divorce request. Some states are fault-based and others are no-fault-based. In some states, you can file for divorce immediately, while other states require you to be separated for a period of time. Some states require you to live in the state for a month before filing for divorce, while other states require you to live in the state for upwards of six months. No matter where you live, a divorce lawyer can help you to understand the grounds for divorce in your state and ensure you meet the legal requirements to file for divorce prior to filing.

Providing Reliable Advice and Guidance

If you're going through a divorce, you may have conflicting information coming to you from multiple sources. While most people are well-intentioned, they likely aren't legal professionals. If family or friends are telling you how much spousal support they think you should get or how you should stop paying bills until your case goes to court, they may not be providing you with accurate advice or guidance. An attorney will provide you with reliable advice and guidance, helping you make responsible and informed decisions throughout the entire divorce process. As with any legal proceeding, you want to make sure you have an expert in your corner to share their advice.

Explaining Property and Debt Division

Even if your divorce isn't contentious, you can benefit from hiring a divorce lawyer. Property and debt division can be an especially complicated process. In addition, while you and your soon-to-be ex may be able to come to an agreement without lawyers, there's a good chance that the agreement in question won't be fair to one party. Your divorce attorney will let you know what you're entitled to and what the other party may be entitled to, helping you to make smart and educated decisions when it comes to property and debt division.

Filling Out and Filing Divorce and Child Custody Paperwork

In order to successfully file for divorce, the divorce paperwork and child custody paperwork need to be filled out accurately and correctly. Even a single mistake on the paperwork can cause the application to be returned, stalling the divorce process further. A divorce attorney can fill out and file all the divorce and child custody paperwork on your behalf. You can also count on an expert divorce lawyer to ensure you don't miss any forms along the way. We understand that legal documents can be intimidating to many, and we're here to guide you through it all.

Representing You in Court

In some cases, two parties are unable to reach an agreement on their own when it comes to key issues. This may include the division of property, the division of debt, the amount of alimony or child support paid, or a child custody agreement. If you and your soon-to-be ex cannot agree, the case will go before a judge. If you hire an attorney, they can represent you before the courts. They'll be the voice to represent your best interests, fighting to get you what's fair and legal in your case.

One of the biggest misconceptions pertaining to a divorce attorney is that you only need to hire one if your divorce case is contentious or complex. However, as you can see, many people can benefit from hiring an attorney even if the case seems simple and straightforward. A reliable lawyer looks out for your wellbeing and protects your interests, ensuring everything goes fairly and according to the local law. If you're going through a separation and preparing to file for divorce, our team at Woodruff & McCaney Law Firm would love to represent you. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.