divorce what type of lawyer do u need

by Kristin Deckow 10 min read

Family Law Attorneys – There are many legal issues that fall under the umbrella of family law including, but not limited to, divorce, legal separation, annulment, and paternity. Some family law attorneys will specialize and limit their practice to divorce while others will provide an array of services.

Full Answer

Do I really need lawyer to get a divorced?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer represent you in a divorce. However, if you want the best outcome possible, you should hire an attorney. By hiring an attorney who only serves family law clients, you can be assured that you are getting the best representation possible for your situation.

How do I find a good divorce attorney?

You can get divorced in England or Wales if all of the following are true:

  • you’ve been married for over a year
  • your relationship has permanently broken down
  • your marriage is legally recognised in the UK (including same-sex marriage)
  • the UK is your permanent home, or the permanent home of your husband or wife

What to look for in a good divorce lawyer?

You need someone who can take the following actions on your behalf:

  • Review the circumstances surrounding your divorce and how state laws are likely to apply;
  • File the appropriate legal documents with the court and respond to any pleadings you receive from your spouse;
  • Appear by your side at divorce-related hearings, making effective legal arguments on your behalf;

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How do I know if my divorce lawyer is good?

Here is a list of the 9 things you should never do during a divorce:

  1. Don’t forget to consult an attorney. A lawyer can make sure that you both review and understand anything before you sign or agree. ...
  2. Don’t neglect your finances. If you’re thinking about divorce, you need to immediately begin to set aside money for the all the expenses involved. ...
  3. Don’t immediately tell everyone you are getting a divorce. ...

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What kind of services do lawyers provide?

Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases. Some lawyers specialize in one or two types, such as family and divorce law.

Why is it important to have a family lawyer?

It is important in divorce cases for an individual to have a family lawyer representing them to ensure their rights are protected.

Why do you need a lawyer for a contract?

Even in transactional civil matters, such as drafting a contract, a lawyer can be very helpful. A lawyer can make sure contracts are drafted correctly and avoid problems at a later date. A real estate purchase, business purchase, and/or creation of a trademark or copyright will most likely involve a lawyer.

What is family law?

Family law is law that involves family matters. These matters can include marriage, divorce, adoption, child support, custody and establishing parentage. In most cases, marriages do not require a lawyer but a prenuptial agreement should be reviewed by a lawyer.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who is licensed to practice law in a state. Lawyers are also known as attorneys or an attorney at law. Some lawyers are licensed in multiple states. Some lawyers are admitted to practice at the Federal level as well.

What is criminal law?

Criminal law is the body of laws that pertain to crimes. Crimes are actions or behaviors prohibited by state or federal laws. Crimes are punishable by fines, probation, and/or imprisonment. Usually, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies.

Do lawyers handle different types of cases?

There are many different types of lawyers that handle many different types of cases. Some cases may even overlap practice areas. Most lawyers have experience with a variety of cases and will be able to help you with your needs. Despite the prevalence of “lawyer jokes”, lawyers are service oriented and look out for the best interest of their clients.

Starting Your Divorce Case

Your first divorce consultation will be at your lawyer’s office. At the initial meeting, your attorney will ask lots of questions, listen to the details of your case, and walk you through the divorce process.

What Do I Have to Do in a Divorce?

Don’t think that once you hire a divorce attorney that you can book a month's long vacation. You and your lawyer will need to keep in touch frequently as your divorce progresses. Your lawyer may look to you to provide factual background for the paperwork or “pleadings” filed in your case.

Some Practices are More Generalized – Family Law, Criminal Law, Personal Injury

Some attorneys take a broader approach to the cases they take – or they may have a firm that specializes in one type of law, with expert lawyers for each specific area.

When to Look for a More Experienced Attorney

As it was mentioned before, if you case is self-explanatory for the most part, then there may be no need to pay significantly more for an attorney with a more specialized area of expertise.

How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Case

When it comes to trying to pick the right attorney for your case you may feel a little overwhelmed – and that’s perfectly normal. Having the right attorney can mean the difference between getting the outcome you’re hoping for, and getting quite the opposite and being disappointed and out thousands of dollars on a lost court case.

The Steps, One by One

Do your research, ask around, and interview the right attorney for the job. Consultation appointments are usually complimentary, so take your time and find the right fit. Read reviews, talk to friends and colleagues you trust, and shop around. Make an appointment for a consultation. Go and take notes.

The Retainer

And when you decide that you need a lawyer, pay the retainer. The retainer is a lump sum the attorney requests up front in order to cover the initial expenses. A retainer is negotiable and fully refundable. Retainers vary based on individual lawyers, cities, counties, and often states.

Trust Yourself

Above and beyond all, trust that you’re making the right decision. It’s the right move in the direction you want to go, so even though you’re afraid, you’re going to be okay. It’s going to be okay. It’s this person’s job to look out for you.

What to do if your spouse is resisting divorce?

Maybe one spouse is resisting divorce completely and refuses to discuss terms. A contested divorce involves negotiations between you and your spouse. You may even have to present your cases in front of a judge. If you and your spouse are getting a contested divorce, you should hire a divorce lawyer. A lawyer will know what your rights are in your ...

What to do if you don't have a good relationship with your spouse?

In addition, if you and your spouse do not have a good relationship and you think there is a possibility that an uncontested divorce can quickly develop into a series of difficult issues, it is a good idea to talk to an attorney.

Why is divorce contested?

Another reason a divorce may be contested is because one spouse wants to prove fault grounds for the divorce. Most divorces are no-fault; you don’t have to explain the reason for your divorce. But a fault divorce occurs when one spouse proves that the marriage fell apart because of the actions of the other spouse.

What to do if your spouse is proving fault?

If you or your spouse intends to prove fault grounds, you should get a lawyer. Your lawyer can help you support your claim with evidence if you are proving fault grounds. If your spouse wants to establish that the divorce is your fault, a lawyer can help you defend against their claim.

Can my spouse hire an attorney?

Your spouse has hired an attorney. If your spouse hires an attorney, you should also seriously consider hiring an attorney to avoid any disadvantage. In addition, if you and your spouse do not have a good relationship and you think there is ...

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