Divorce is not
only a huge decision; it can also be quite messy and complicated. Some end
amicably, with a settlement reasonably acceptable for each party. Some can drag
on for months, even years, and the final decision leaves both parties
dissatisfied, not to mention, drained physically, emotionally, psychologically
and financially. Sometimes, all that’s left are bills, a huge portion of which
goes to the lawyers.
Choosing a good divorce lawyer
In choosing a
divorce lawyer, a few things should be kept in mind. A lawyer should be well
versed with the intricacies of the local divorce law. While a country has a
national law on divorce, some local states or provinces have a few details
added or subtracted to the national one. A local lawyer, like Divorce Lawyers Edmonton-based,
is likely to know how a judge rules over certain issues in a divorce case.
Divorce lawyers should also be knowledgeable, or
least have reliable contacts, when it comes to finances, spousal support and,
at times, protection of the children. Money matters, like those involved in
separating the properties and spousal and child support can turn a divorce case
very ugly. Some couples find hidden stashes of money or assets that they have
never suspected their partners of having. The computations of net worth before
and during the marriage, as well as the net worth at the time of divorce can be
tricky and complicated. Add in the complexity of dividing the assets like the
house, cars, bank accounts, investments, appliances, and in some couples, down
to the furniture, pets and even accumulated miles. A good lawyer should be able
to fight for the clients’ rights over these things.
When the divorce is brought about by domestic abuse,
women and children protection should be prioritized over the other aspects of
divorce. A good divorce lawyer should be able to keep the necessity of finding
a safe home for the client and the children.
A person does
not just have a divorce lawyer’s business card on hand. The divorce may be too
sudden that the person has nowhere to go to. Sometimes, a husband or wife
receives the divorce papers out of nowhere. The divorce may come suddenly or it
may just be a formality of a long-standing estrangement. Whatever the case may
be, a good divorce lawyer is necessary.
A lawyer will be
the one to help in negotiating the terms of the divorce. He (or she) will be
the person with the divorce seeker during this ordeal. A caring one is great to
have, must-have, even. Not only is this an assurance that the lawyer has the
divorce seeker’s interest as a priority, but the support given is priceless.
Some divorce
cases leave both parties without any money. Some sleazy lawyers would ask for
professional fess up front, and then charge more is the case proved to involve
larger amounts of money in relation to the divided assets. These kinds of
lawyers would ask for a certain percentage of the divided assets, and the
client is left with almost nothing after a divorce. Hire a lawyer whose terms
in fees are defined and would not take advantage of the client.