Why do I need a lawyer to get divorced?
If you want to get a divorce, you may need to hire a divorce lawyer to draft and file the proper court papers and documentation. A divorce lawyer can also help you gather evidence against your spouse. A divorce lawyer can also help you understand the process and save time and money.
Documentation needed to get divorced
Before you begin the divorce process, you should start by putting together a list of all of your assets and debts. This includes any assets owned in your name and any assets that you acquired during the marriage. Documentation about any debt or credit card debt that you and your spouse may have is also important. Often, people do not realize how much debt they have. A credit report and copies of credit card statements are an excellent start.
Depending on the state where you live, you might be required to fill out specific forms. You should check with the court clerk in your state to see what forms you need to fill out.
Cost
A divorce can be a costly process for both parties. Filing fees, expert services, and mediation fees all contribute to the cost. Hiring an attorney to represent you can be an expensive decision. However, there are options available to help you avoid paying high upfront fees. Unbundled attorneys are attorneys who offer full representation to clients at affordable rates. By using an unbundled attorney, you can avoid paying a large upfront fee and avoid the risk of representing yourself in court.
The fee for hiring a divorce lawyer varies according to the complexity of your case. You should consult with a lawyer and ask about their fee structure before hiring one. Some attorneys charge by the hour. If they charge $300 per hour, the total bill would be $1,200. Other lawyers may charge differently depending on the type of work they do. For example, a senior partner may charge higher rates than a junior associate. In addition, some attorneys charge separately for support services.
Time
Hiring a lawyer can be a good decision for a divorce, but it is important to make sure the lawyer you choose is someone you can trust. In addition to a solid legal background, you should feel comfortable communicating with your attorney. If there is discord between you and your lawyer, the opposing attorney, and the judge will notice and judge your case accordingly.
The best time to hire a lawyer to get divorced is before your spouse files the divorce papers. A spouse who files first has more time to prepare. They have twenty days to reply to the papers and gather any necessary financial information. This can help them prepare for a custody battle if necessary.
If you have any questions, you can get a free consultation with Ascent Law LLC:
Ascent Law LLC:
8833 South Redwood RoadSuite C
West Jordan, UT 84088
(801) 676-5506