Do I Need a Lawyer to Handle My Divorce in PA?

If you have decided to end your marriage, one of the most important questions to ask yourself is  whether or not you need a divorce lawyer. Although it depends on your specific circumstances, seeking the counsel of an experienced divorce attorney can put you on the right track and make the process less stressful for everyone involved.

The Risks of Handling a Divorce on Your Own

Many couples decide to divorce amicably and start with good intentions. However, dividing assets and debts, creating a parenting plan and settling issues of custody and support can quickly become contentious.  You and your spouse may believe you are on the same page, but emotions can run high once you get into serious discussions and negotiations.

When considering whether or not to hire a divorce lawyer in PA , it’s important to ask yourself a number of questions:

• Does your spouse have an attorney?
• Do you have children, shared property and assets or other factors that make splitting up complex?
• Are you and your spouse able to communicate in a civil manner?
• Do you understand the divorce process in Pennsylvania?
• Do you know what you’re legally entitled to?

Even if your case seems straightforward and you have little shared property and no children, having an attorney review everything before your divorce becomes final is still a good idea to ensure assets are distributed equitably and help you avoid mistakes that can delay the process. It’s important to remember that even if you’re filing for no-fault divorce, you can still encounter frustrating roadblocks if a complaint is filed incorrectly or your spouse does not consent to the divorce.

Benefits of Hiring a Divorce Attorney

Many people file for divorce without the assistance of an attorney in order to cut costs, but having a lawyer handle your divorce can save you money, time and stress in the long run. Ending a marriage affects multiple aspects of your life, and the consequences of making mistakes or agreeing to unfavorable terms can be devastating and long-lasting. For example, a law firm that also provides estate planning services is a valuable resource when it comes to creating a new will and determining how your assets will be distributed in the event of your passing.

Even if you are in the initial stages of looking at divorce as an option, consider scheduling a consultation with an attorney–there are plenty of affordable divorce lawyers who will assess the complexity of your case and advise you on the best course of action to protect your rights and interests. From filing a divorce complaint with the Court of Common Pleas in your county to handling negotiations with your spouse, an attorney can provide the support and advice you need to make the process run more smoothly from beginning to end.

Whether you have questions about how to proceed with a divorce or need a divorce attorney to represent you in a challenging at-fault divorce case, our knowledgeable and understanding legal team at Carosella & Associates can help.

This blog was originally posted at https://carosella.com/do-i-need-a-lawyer-to-handle-my-divorce-in-pa/