divorce

Do I Need an Attorney for a Divorce in Missouri?

divorce

Filing for divorce can be a complicated and stressful process, especially if you choose to do it on your own. While some people choose to navigate through this process on their own, it can be extremely helpful to work with an attorney. Having an experienced divorce attorney to walk you through the process can help with settlements and can make a huge difference in your case. In this blog, we will help you determine whether hiring an attorney would be helpful for your divorce in Missouri by going over different situations where it may make a difference. 

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When You May Not Need an Attorney

There are certain situations where it may not be necessary to hire an attorney for a divorce in Missouri, specifically in situations where both spouses tend to agree on most things. 

Here are some situations which you may not need an attorney for in Missouri: 

  • Uncontested Divorce: An uncontested divorce is where you and your spouse agree on all major issues, such as property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. This type of divorce allows both parties to move forward without the need for extensive legal assistance, as there are fewer complications and disputes.
  • Simple Divorce Without Children or Significant Assets: When there are no children involved and the assets are minimal or straightforward to divide, couples may feel comfortable handling the paperwork and agreements themselves.

When Hiring a Divorce Attorney is Beneficial

Some divorces can be straightforward and easy to handle on their own, while others may be more complex and involve more legal knowledge. 

Here are a few situations where hiring a divorce attorney in Missouri might be helpful: 

  • Contested Divorces: A contested divorce is where you and your spouse can’t agree on things like dividing property, child custody, or spousal support. In this type of situation, a lawyer can help you navigate negotiations and, if needed, advocate for you in court.
  • Complex Financial Situations: When your finances are combined with assets such as , retirement accounts, a business, or substantial debts, sorting everything out can be complicated. In this situation, an attorney can make sure assets are identified, valued, and fairly divided, and ensure your financial well-being is protected.
  • Child Custody and Support Disputes: When it comes to child custody, things can get very complicated. If you and your spouse are having a hard time agreeing in terms of child custody, an attorney can help you advocate for a fair custody arrangement that’s in your child’s best interest. They can also help calculate child support based on Missouri’s guidelines.
  • Allegations of Abuse or Domestic Violence: If abuse or domestic violence is involved, this can complicate the divorce process even more. In these cases, an attorney can guide you through securing protective measures, like restraining orders, while helping you navigate the legal complexities to ensure your safety. 

Benefits of Working with a Divorce Attorney

Even if you think that it might not be completely necessary to hire a divorce attorney for your divorce, it still could help with your case. One reason is to not have to go through the divorce process alone. As an already stressful and difficult process to navigate, having an attorney on your side can make all the difference. They can offer personalized legal advice tailored to your specific situation, helping you understand your rights and options. This can also help you with avoiding mistakes in the process. There are many different documents and paperwork that need to be filled out for a divorce that can be overwhelming. An attorney can help make sure you fill out everything accurately and completely to avoid any common errors that might affect the outcome of your case. Lastly, coming to an agreement in a divorce without an attorney can be tough, no matter how small the issue is. A divorce attorney brings experience in negotiating fair and equitable settlements that consider both parties’ needs.

Making the Right Decision for Your Divorce

Choosing to go through with a divorce is never easy, but knowing you don’t have to go through it alone can make the process a little bit easier. Specifically in cases where you and your spouse disagree on important issues like property division, child custody, or support, or if your financial situation is complex, an attorney can provide relief. Additionally, an attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement and guide you through the complexity of Missouri’s legal system.If you’re feeling unsure about your specific situation or whether legal representation is the right choice for you, consider reaching out to Columbia Family Law Group. At Columbia Family Law Group, LLC, we take an aggressive approach to each case that we take on, and our clients are always the center of our focus. Contact us today for a consultation.