Not everyone needs to hire a specialist family attorney to work through their family law issues. However, the ‘do it yourself’ approach could end up costing you, and your family, more than you bargained for.
In the USA today, some people choose to represent themselves through the family court system believing that they are saving themselves the cost of sometimes-costly legal representation.
However, not everyone can work their way through the complex family legal system. There are mountains of paperwork to understand and action and there may even be court appearances where the hobby lawyer will find themselves up against seasoned professionals.
Even the USA Legal Services warns how crucial it is to utilise a family law attorney. It goes on to provide further advice on the importance of hiring a legal specialist from the right family law niche, from divorce and spousal support, paternity issues through to child related issues. The reason? Family law is complex.
While it is possible for some to find their way through the complex legal system, it is usually done to save money – but it’s a false economy.
Here are 5 reasons why hiring a good family law attorney will pay for itself:
1. Knowing the right questions to ask
A specialist family law attorney knows the questions to ask to have the greatest impact on your settlement.
Your family attorney will also know when to get others involved, such as accountants, and offer the resources to help you produce the right paperwork to support your claims.
Legal professionals the world over, whether they be a family lawyer Brisbane, Hong Kong, London or even Asia or Europe-based, report that people who represent themselves most commonly miss major tax issues that end up costing them thousands of dollars.
This is the same in the US, where the IRS has produced publications to warn divorced and separated individuals of their often complex taxation obligations.
These matters are best left in the hands of those specialists, with family law attorneys understanding the law, its implications and how to get you the best settlement possible.
2. Dividing property
Settling for a 50/50 split during a divorce negotiation is not always the fairest or the smartest way to settle marital assets.
On your own, emotions run high and there may be pressure to push for “what seems fair”, when an expert family attorney could provide you with a more considered entitlement split.
Your attorney will also fight for you on your behalf to get the best possible outcome that will more than pay your legal fees.
3. Facilitating settlements
While a ‘do it yourself’ representative may prepare themselves for their day in court, a family law attorney knows how to favourably settle a matter away from the expensive court system.
They use the lawyer-to-lawyer language that is rational and is looking to save costs for both parties involved in the family dispute.
4. Discussing child custody matters
Where children are involved, separated spouses may not be the most rational to sort through what is best for the minors in their care or to come up with ideas on how a new custodial arrangement would work.
An expert family law attorney works with both parties to work through the options. While the parties involved may be blinded by emotion, the legal specialist can move toward a faster, amicable resolution for all.
5. Faster resolution
Working your way through a divorce is one of the most stressful situations that a person can put themselves through, particularly as the matter progresses and private matters become public.
The stress of going through a divorce can lead people to suffering illnesses, loss of time at work or even making rash decisions when property division or custody matters are being discussed.
A family law attorney will use his or her experience to resolve matters as quickly as possible, so that their client won’t have to go through the sustained emotional turmoil for any longer than necessary.
While the option is there to act for yourself in a family law matter, the savings in hiring a professional could soon be lost through inexperience, drawn out matters, emotion-fueled decisions and not knowing where to look to fight for the best possible outcome.
