Did you know that the US has the 6th highest divorce rate in the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? There is one divorce in the country every 42 seconds.
According to Paula D. Kleinman, APLC, going through divorce proceedings without legal counsel may result in your spouse acquiring more than they legally should from your marital property, an unequal child custody arrangement, or other undesirable provisions attached to your divorce order.
Let us take a look at how the right and knowledgeable divorce lawyer can inform you of your legal rights and relieve you of the burden of fighting your divorce challenges alone.
Family Law Attorneys
Things to look out for when choosing a family law attorney include their overall legal experience and their track record in handling divorce cases.
According to www.jonaslaw.com, family law attorneys can employ other strategies to resolve your case aside from having a courtroom trial. These other strategies include negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
Take the time to research and read reviews from past clients to gauge the lawyer’s reputation and effectiveness. Keep in mind that divorce proceedings can be emotionally draining so the importance of having an empathetic and transparent lawyer cannot be understated.
Collaborative Lawyers
Collaborative lawyers focus on cooperation instead of confrontation to resolve disputes. In a collaborative divorce, both parties, along with their lawyers, work together to reach mutually beneficial agreements without going to court. This can be beneficial if you and your spouse are willing to communicate openly and are committed to finding solutions outside of litigation.
Take note that collaborative law may not be suitable for all situations, especially if there’s a history of abuse or a significant power imbalance between you and your spouse.
Mediators
Mediators are trained professionals who can help you and your spouse communicate effectively, identify key issues, and work towards a mutually agreeable solution. A mediator acts as a neutral facilitator, unlike collaborative lawyers, who represent individual parties.
Mediation is a more efficient alternative to traditional divorce proceedings. This process works best when both parties are willing to engage in open and honest discussions. You have the opportunity to maintain more control over the outcome of your divorce, rather than leaving it up to a judge, by working with a mediator. The process is often quicker than going through the court system.
Divorce Lawyers Specializing in High-Conflict Cases
Divorce lawyers specializing in high-conflict cases are skilled negotiators and litigators who understand the challenges of handling angry and bitter divorces. They can offer guidance on managing communication with an antagonistic spouse, handling restraining orders or protective orders if necessary, and preparing for court appearances in highly contested matters.
Selecting a lawyer with experience in handling high-conflict divorces can guarantee that your legal representation is capable of handling the emotionally charged situations that may emerge in your case.
Legal Aid Lawyers
Legal aid lawyers provide necessary legal assistance to individuals who may not have the financial means to afford traditional legal representation. These lawyers offer their services at little to no cost. This means that everyone has access to their services regardless of their financial situation.
While legal aid lawyers may not have the same resources or experience as high-end divorce attorneys, they can still help you out in various ways, such as assisting you with filling out paperwork, understanding your rights, and representing you in court. Stay updated with the divorce laws in your state to determine the availability of legal aid. If cost is a significant concern for you, reaching out to legal aid organizations could be the first step towards getting the legal help you need for your divorce case.
Conclusion
Now that you know the different types of lawyers that can handle a divorce case, it will be easier for you to plan accordingly. Review your situation and choose the best type of lawyer that you think will suit your case.
