Last week, the New York Times ran an article proclaiming the court-aided one-day divorce the wave of the future while giving California credit for pioneering this trend. However, Pasadena divorce attorneys say there are still many reasons to invest in professional legal representation for your divorce. For example:
- If you have significant assets, an attorney can advise you on the best way to divide community property in order to avoid negative tax consequences and to prevent the problems that can arise from not having a proper mix of liquid and illiquid assets post-divorce.
- When you are the lower earning spouse, a lawyer can provide advice on how to obtain alimony and discuss what steps are necessary to secure a portion of the higher earning spouse’s pension or retirement benefits. In some cases, you may be able to request that your spouse help pay for your attorney’s fees.
- Parents with minor children may also find that hiring a divorce lawyer is preferable to a DIY approach. An attorney can assist with issues related to child support, child custody, and visitation. Your attorney may also bring up concerns that you’re likely to overlook in the divorce process, such as suggesting a clause that requires your ex to help pay for your child’s college tuition.
- If the relationship ended because your spouse was emotionally abusive, this places you at a disadvantage. You may be likely to agree to whatever your spouse wants in order to leave the marriage, even if this sacrifices your long-term financial security. Hiring an experienced divorce attorney can ensure that your interests are protected.
Finally, you must keep in mind that a one-day divorce is not really completed in just one day. Residency requirements must already have been met and you must have previously filed the divorce petition and served the necessary papers to your spouse. Whether you take a DIY approach or hire an attorney, a divorce takes time to complete.
How Can We Help?
Please call our office at (626) 683-8113 or email us at info@PasadenaLawOffice.com if you are in need of legal representation during your divorce. Our Pasadena divorce lawyers are eager to advocate for your interests throughout the divorce process.