Filing For Divorce: Should You Hire An Attorney Or A Paralegal?

For many people, getting divorced can be just as costly as getting married. Consequently, it is not hard to understand why some individuals are always on the lookout for ways to save some much needed cash when filing for divorce. Oftentimes, the most effective way to do this is by hiring a divorce paralegal rather than an attorney. However, while these legal services will be right for some people, they will not be right for everyone. Taking the time to answer the following questions can help you to determine what type of legal services your divorce case will require.

Do You Expect Your Spouse To Contest The Divorce?

If you are expecting your spouse to contest the divorce, there is a good chance that your divorce case will eventually result in a court hearing. In this situation, you will need the expertise of a divorce attorney on your side. This is because while divorce paralegals can help you to complete any forms which must be submitted to the court, they cannot actually represent you in a court of law. Consequently, the decision to use these less-expensive legal services could leave you facing a hostile divorce hearing on your own.

Do You And Your Spouse Share Any Children?

Marriages that result in the birth of any children can be far more difficult to dissolve. This is because not only will you need to address the issue of property division, you will also need to deal with the issues of child custody and support. Typically, these more complex cases will require the services of a divorce attorney since paralegals are not licensed to practice law and will therefore be unable to provide you with legal advice. With something as important as the custody of your children at stake, the last thing you want is to go into court without all of the facts. Choosing to hire a reputable attorney can ensure that you have these facts and that you understand exactly how they will affect your case.

Do You And Your Spouse Agree On Everything Regarding Your Divorce Case?

If you and your spouse agree on the need for a divorce, the reason for the divorce, and how all of your marital property will be divided, you may be able to file what is known as a simplified divorce petition. These simplified petitions allow you to finalize your divorce faster and will eliminate the need to appear in court on multiple occasions. Instead, both you and your spouse will be required to appear in court one time in order for your divorce decree to be entered into the court record. In these cases, the services of a divorce paralegal will typically be sufficient, since you will not likely require any representation or legal advice.

For more information, speak with experts like Lisa M Pacione, Attorney At Law.

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