Hiring a divorce lawyer offers a chance for you to argue your case and win. Learn more about the benefits of hiring these attorneys.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were around 7.1 new divorces in here Maryland per 1,000 women in 2019. This figure is consistent with declining divorce rates nationwide, though experts argue about the reasons behind the trend.
Of course, if you’re gearing up to go through the divorce process yourself, those lower rates might lull you into a false sense of security. After all, if you haven’t seen many separating couples around you reach out to a divorce lawyer, why should you consider the advantages of one?
Working with an expert as you navigate your case can be crucial for your future. If you’re on the fence about partnering with a lawyer, here are three key benefits to consider.
1. You May Not Have the Experience to Do It Alone
Anyone going through a divorce has the right to represent themselves “pro se.” This means that you’ll represent yourself alone without a lawyer’s help.
While this may be a viable option in other types of court cases, we never recommend it for cases as complex as divorce. This is especially true if you and your ex-spouse are arguing over custody, spousal support, the division of assets, and other matters.
There are a few reasons why we advise against it.
First, when you litigate for yourself, the court will hold you to the same standard of knowledge as an attorney who has gone through law school. You’ll need to understand the ins and outs of the legal system, from court proceedings to deadlines to discovery rules. Worse, if you don’t understand courtroom etiquette, you may give the judge a negative opinion of yourself, making them believe you’re wasting the court’s time.
Second, it’s easy to believe that your amicable divorce case will be a smooth one, but this rarely happens in practice. Cases that seem straightforward at first can become complicated by small arguments when your interests don’t align with your spouse’s. If unforeseen issues arise, it helps to know that you can reach out to an attorney for help.
In addition, the skill and expertise a lawyer brings to your case can often help speed up the proceedings. Though divorces are often messy, a lawyer’s knowledge ensures that you won’t struggle to research, understand, and protect your rights in a long and drawn-out process. In some situations, an attorney’s knowledge of the proper proceedings can reduce your case from years to months.
Last, the chances are good that your ex-spouse will seek help from a lawyer. Without the necessary legal expertise, you can’t hope to level the playing field in the courtroom. This can lead you to feel pressured to make compromises you wouldn’t otherwise need to make.
2. It Keeps You Objective
There are few situations as fraught and emotional as the end of a relationship, no matter how it happens. The aftermath is always deeply personal and driven by feelings, making it hard to keep a rational head.
Because tempers tend to run high on both sides, the process can grow even more complicated—especially if you say the wrong thing at the wrong moment. An accidental insult or admission can damage your case fast, which is why having an attorney on your side can help. Divorce lawyers are adept at helping their clients stay calm and composed when it matters most, often coaching them about the process and helping them understand what they should and shouldn’t say.
In addition, a good divorce attorney will help you understand what your realistic options are. Often, divorcing spouses seek to seize every possible asset, sometimes without considering what’s fair or reasonable in the eyes of the court.
Instead of allowing you to waste your efforts, an impartial lawyer will help you review the situation and fight for what you deserve. This means you’ll be able to make better decisions without snap judgments.
One last way your lawyer helps you stay objective is simple: they’ll take care of your communication for you. Instead of having to speak to your spouse and their legal team, which can often be frustrating and emotional, your lawyer will handle these conversations on your behalf. If you ever do need to have a direct conversation with your spouse, your lawyer can advise you on what to do and say.
3. You’ll Have Someone in Your Corner
This final benefit may seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. When you partner with a divorce attorney, you’ll have someone in your corner. When your entire world seems to be shifting around you, this can be a significant source of relief.
Divorcing your spouse will require you to juggle many moving parts, from meeting court deadlines to explaining the situation to your loved ones. You may be focusing on the emotional well-being of your children or dependents, working to move out of your home or apartment, or seeking a new job. You’ll also have to struggle through a swamp of legal terms and documents while trying to decide what you want and deserve in the aftermath of your relationship.
No matter what happens while you navigate the outcome, having a divorce lawyer on your side means you won’t be alone. With experience helping similar clients, these experts can help you understand your best options as you move forward. From tackling legal paperwork to helping verbalize your complaints, the best divorce lawyer will fight on your behalf.
Ready to Partner With an Expert?
Given the benefits above, it should be clear that partnering with a reputable divorce lawyer is always smarter than representing yourself in a dispute. Seeking advice from an expert can help you stay objective, navigate the legal proceedings, and fight for what’s right. In this case, your future depends on it.
Our Maryland divorce attorneys are here to help. If you’re seeking assistance with your court case, trust Blattner Family Law Group to help you protect what matters most. Contact us online today or call us for a free consultation.