Whether it is concerns about costs, resignation, or the hope for an efficient end to their marriage, some divorcing couples split with only one person represented by a divorce lawyer. This choice is legally permitted, but opting out of separate legal representation during a divorce is not recommended.
Put Yourself First: Hire a Divorce Lawyer
There are a plaintiff and a defendant in every divorce case. The plaintiff files for divorce. The defendant may be agreeable to the union’s end or wish to avoid seeking out their own divorce attorney when they believe they will agree to all the suggestions offered, but both parties in a divorce deserve fair representation. There is only one person who acts with your interests in mind during divorce proceedings and that is your Michigan divorce lawyer.
Avoid Conflict of Interest
Divorcing spouses often agree on one thing: Keeping divorce costs low. Instead of one person opting out of attorney representation, they may want to use the same divorce lawyer. Sharing a divorce attorney will not save money, and it is not ethically or legally acceptable in Michigan. Lawyers cannot represent two clients with conflicting interests – and that includes a divorcing couple.
Recognize the Drawbacks of a DIY Divorce
You can find anything online, including paperwork and instructions that claim to help you divorce quickly and easily. This DIY divorce, though, does not guarantee financial safety and sanity through divorce difficulties. In fact, divorce can become more costly if one person hires a Michigan divorce lawyer and the other person does not have representation. It’s almost guaranteed you will come up short in front of a judge regarding paperwork, procedures, and knowledge of divorce law.
Consider Alternate Strategies
Having your own divorce lawyer means you have someone arguing and negotiating on your behalf in all matters of marriage dissolution, from spousal support to child custody. Your lawyer delivers appropriate legal advice specific to your unique situation. Some couples, though, can successfully end marriage through mediation, which involves the support of a licensed mediator who helps amicable couples reach agreements about assets, debts, custody, and more.
Respect the Legal System
Half of all marriages end in divorce, which means plenty of couples have different ideas about what makes a good marriage – the legal system is there to serve them all. Divorce proceedings involve documents, deadlines, and details so a person’s interests are adequately represented. There is no way to understand the schedule, demands, and intricacies without the experience of a divorce lawyer. Attempting to skip legal representation can be more costly than hiring an attorney.
Marriage Ending? You Need to Hire a Divorce Lawyer
Divorce lawyers understand that people want to move through this uncomfortable time of life quickly, but even if a split starts on good terms, feelings can change and complicate legal proceedings. Before, during, and after your divorce, align with a lawyer who is always on your side. Hire an attorney at Michigan Divorce Help. Contact us in Mt. Clemens, MI, to schedule your consultation.
This blog post is not a substitute for legal advice.