Divorce is a life altering experience many of us go through without a clear head given the emotional, financial and psychological impact it has on our lives.  In many cases, people hesitate to hire an Attorney for fear of making things worse.  There is always that risk of making matters worse when you bring in a third party to the table.  However, not bringing in an unbiased party with the training and skills to make matters go smoothly can help you avoid expensive mistakes.

The following are common mistakes that people make when they do not hire an Attorney:

A) Assuming that property division is 50/50.  This is not always the case.  Property can be divided in some way other than an equal split.

B) Not clear on the special processes and federal tax laws when re-distributing assets such as pension plans.

C) Failing to do what you have agreed to do stated on a document, or failing to draft an enforceable document.  There are right ways and wrong ways to draft these documents and you need to be sure it’s done properly.

If you are worried about a lawyer taking things in a direction you don’t like then remember who’s the boss.  You are hiring the lawyer.  You are the decision maker because you are the one that has to live with the divorce settlement after it’s all over.

Given today’s tough economic climate, paying legal fees may prompt some anxiety.  You may not have cash available right now due to the expense of separation. This is a time to seek help.  If necessary, go to your parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends and get financial help.  Other options include, bank loans or gaining access to your 401 (K).  This is a tough time – maybe the toughest thing you will go through. One way to get to know a lawyer better is through their website or social platform where you are able to see the extent by which they involve themselves in their profession and in the community.

Tags: Abogado, divorce attorney, divorce settlement, divorcio, Hispanic, Latino, Lawyer