A NY Scheidungsanwalt can help you negotiate a fair settlement regarding the division of property and spousal support. They can also litigate your case if necessary.
You want to make sure that your attorney has enough time to devote to your case. This means that you should not be one of many clients on his or her plate.
Saves You Money
Divorce lawyers charge on an hourly basis, so the more time they spend on your case, the more it will cost. To keep your costs down, give your attorney all of the information upfront, Rubenstein says. And listen to her advice. “Sometimes people try to hide things and that takes up time for their lawyer,” she adds.
If you and your spouse can agree on issues like custody, property division and support, a divorce lawyer may be unnecessary. This will save you a lot of money and make the process much less stressful.
Other ways to save money on a divorce include filing an uncontested divorce, and handling all paperwork with your partner before your attorney gets involved. Additionally, many attorneys will accept credit cards for their services, which can save you even more money on legal fees. Lastly, be sure to check with your financial planner before hiring a divorce attorney, Narris advises. He or she can help you understand how your finances will change after a divorce and recommend any changes that might benefit your long-term goals.
Keeps You From Making Mistakes
Divorce lawyers can prevent you from making mistakes that can cost you dearly.
For example, you may be able to avoid the mistake of liquidating or retitling marital assets such as cash in joint checking, savings and brokerage accounts and the cash value of life insurance policies. Your attorney can help you ensure that the appropriate companies are notified and a restraining order issued to protect these assets during your divorce. This can save you money on legal fees and forensic accounting expenses as well as tax costs.
You also can avoid the error of hiring a combative divorce lawyer who is determined to punish your spouse for revenge. This will likely be counterproductive and cause you more financial damage in the long run, not to mention alienate your children from their other parent. Your attorney can advise you on when it is best to settle and when court is necessary. A good settlement will also reduce your legal fees significantly.
Helps You Understand Your Rights
A good divorce lawyer can help you understand your rights during the process of getting a divorce. They can also advise you on the potential consequences of various decisions. Having the right legal counsel in your corner can turn feelings of fear and confusion into a perspective of rationality, objectivity, and confidence.
A divorce is a complicated legal proceeding that includes several legal issues, such as property, debts, child custody, visitation, and spousal support. It’s difficult to navigate these issues on your own, which is why it’s a good idea to hire an experienced divorce attorney.
During your initial consultation, be sure to bring all of your financial information. This includes tax returns, bank accounts, mortgage or deeds of any properties you own, and credit card statements. A Brooklyn divorce attorney can help you determine which assets are shared, and which ones belong solely to one spouse. They can also advise you on appropriate alimony amounts.
Facilitates a Settlement Agreement
Whether you choose collaborative divorce, mediation or a contested divorce, a lawyer can help you negotiate an agreement about all issues involved in your separation. This includes property division, spousal support and child custody and visitation.
Once an agreement is reached, it is written up and documented in a document known as the divorce settlement agreement. This document memorializes all terms of your divorce and carries the weight of law.
A divorce attorney can also help you draft your divorce agreement and review it for errors or omissions that may lead to legal problems later on. This is important because your divorce agreement will dictate how assets and debts are divided, how alimony is paid and for how long it is paid. It can also determine how child support is calculated and when it is to end. It can also determine how to handle inheritances and other non-marital assets. Our team of family lawyers can help you reach a fair and comprehensive agreement.