Q: What is the biggest mistake people make when initiating a divorce?
A: The biggest mistake people make when initiating a divorce is thinking they can handle it without any assistance. Many people going through a divorce are concerned about attorney’s fees, and understandably so — attorneys are not inexpensive. However, divorce is not something to be taken lightly; once your property distribution is complete, there is no going back on the division. Thus, attempting to navigate the process alone without proper guidance is a big financial risk that can adversely affect the rest of your life.
Additionally, although many people think that hiring an attorney means courtrooms and litigation, nothing could be further from the truth. Attorneys are trained negotiators — it’s their job to find resolution in contentious situations. For the most part, an attorney will help you resolve your matter amicably. And in the long run, hiring an attorney could possibly save you money, especially considering the lost dollars that people suffer when they attempt to negotiate their own divorce.
Aside from the financial concerns, going through a divorce is an incredibly emotional process. Having a trusted advisor who can talk you through what the process will be like and what outcomes you can expect — acting as a steady hand as you take each step — provides invaluable piece of mind.
Even if you decide to explore mediation, arbitration or another means of alternate dispute resolution, it’s still wise to discuss the situation with an attorney who can properly advise you and make sure that any agreement you enter into is the right one.
Related:
5 comments
BZ
After reading this article, I'm not sure if I'm looking to get "peace" of mind, or give someone else a "piece" of my mind... Any ideas on what to read between the lines in the way of context there?
Nina Howayer
Hi , I was married over 8 years ago , I was young didn't know him , I heard he was still married to someone in another country , and now after me married again , now he lives in Canada , I just had a baby with someone else's I haven't seen my husband since I left him in Mich , how can I find out if he's married , and if he is - is my marriage even real ,
Danielle Post
Hi Nina, I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds like you have several legal questions that would be best answered by an attorney in our free Q&A forum. Attorneys do not provide advice through our blog, but they do in the forum, usually within 12 hours. All questions are open to answers for seven days. You can post your questions here when you're ready: http://www.avvo.com/ask-a-lawyer. Avvo also offers a wealth of legal information in our Knowledge Base here: http://www.avvo.com/free-legal-advice. I hope this is helpful! Kindly, Danielle
Joelynne
How can I get help for a long overdue divorce . Expecially since I'm no longer in a good financial situation.
Danielle Post
Hi Joelynne, It sounds like you have several legal questions that would be best answered by an attorney in our free Q&A forum. Attorneys do not provide advice through our blog, but they do in the forum, usually within 12 hours. All questions are open to answers for seven days. You can post your questions here when you're ready: http://www.avvo.com/ask-a-lawyer. Avvo also offers a wealth of legal information in our Knowledge Base here: http://www.avvo.com/free-legal-advice. I hope this is helpful! Kindly, Danielle