Divorces or most often painful and even a simple uncontested divorce can take a huge emotional toll on you and your family. Contested divorces can last for years, and even if a settlement is reached without going to trial, can ultimately cost each spouse thousands of dollars. There is no legal requirement to be represented by a lawyer in a divorce proceeding in Oklahoma, but depending on the nature of your divorce, hiring a lawyer may be in your best interest. This article examines how you can know if you need a lawyer to file for divorce in Oklahoma.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
If you are filing a simple uncontested divorce, you may be able to get by without hiring a lawyer. On the other hand, if you and your spouse are not getting along and cannot come to an agreement on who will have custody of kids, the house or how to split the money and bills, you be best advised to hire a lawyer to protect your interest and/ or the interest of your children. Even if you are on good terms with your spouse, hiring a lawyer is good idea if your marital estate is sizable and includes a large amount of property and assets that need to be divided. This is especially true if you were not the primary money earner in the relationship or if you signed a prenuptial agreement.
The Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
Consulting with a lawyer can benefit you in a number of different ways. Firstly, a lawyer can explain to you the legal rules and procedures for filing for divorce. Secondly, a lawyer can mediate the divorce negotiations between you and your spouse to settle issues such as child custody, spousal support and property division. Thirdly a lawyer can refer you to other professional you may need, such as:
- An actuary to help value your investments, pensions and retirement benefits
- An accountant to help with the division of your assets, determine spousal support and advise you on tax consequences of your divorce settlement.
- An appraiser to determine the market value of your familial home
Ultimately, how you involve a lawyer in your divorce is up to you. You can always hire a lawyer to handle only some specific parts of your divorce or to advise you on particularly sticky areas of the divorce like child custody, child support and alimony. On the hand hiring a lawyer to fully handle your divorce can save you lots of time, stress and money.
No Cost Consultation: Oklahoma City Divorce Lawyer
Whether you envision a quick, easy divorce or you are preparing for a difficult, high-conflict divorce, a skilled Oklahoma City divorce lawyer can provide the expertise you need to move your life toward a more stable future. Call us today to find out how a family law expert can ease your worries and help attain the outcome you prefer.
We offer initial consultations at no cost. Discover how our family law expertise can help you through a difficult time. For a initial consultation with a reliable Oklahoma City divorce attorney, call (405) 880-8222 today. If you prefer e-mail, send us your question using the “Ask the Lawyer” form at the right side of this page.
Leave a Reply