Here at Findling Law, we appreciate how anxious you may be to get your divorce over as soon as possible. In fact, you may be scrolling through the extensive library of divorce materials on our website right now, educating yourself on a variety of Michigan divorce law topics, as well as how to best prepare yourself and your family mentally, emotionally, and financially for what is in store for all of you as you face your new normal in the coming days. You might even feel like you’ve got this divorce thing figured out and can take care of it yourself. Before you start downloading and forms and running to the courthouse, read this article. A free consultation with us is a smart idea. Why? Well, here are 10 ways a divorce lawyer can save you money and aggravation during a divorce.
1. Laws, Regulations, and Processes Change Constantly
We make a point of sharing as much about Michigan divorce law with you on our website as possible, and we know that this helps you to be smart as you go forward. But, Michigan laws, regulations and processes change constantly and even the very best sources can’t keep up with every single change as it happens. A divorce lawyer, however, is exceptionally well informed about these types of changes. That means fewer surprises for you and ensures that your divorce proceeds much more smoothly.
2. Nuances in MI aren’t always detailed.
Even when changes to the law, regulations, and processes change, nuances that may pertain to your county may not be. It can be a hassle to re-do documents or have to return with additional information or paperwork, not to mention delays the process for you.
3. Even the best checklists don’t cover everything.
There are hundreds of DIY divorce checklists on the internet these days, but not a single one of these can replace human interaction with a divorce lawyer. No checklist can foresee your particular circumstances or anticipate challenges or stumbling blocks that may pop up during the process, especially where children or significant assets are involved. A checklist can help you get focused and begin the process of sorting through your affairs, but it doesn’t replace the compassion, objectivity and experience of a divorce lawyer. Save time by having that consultation in the first place.
4. A divorce lawyer will foresee stumbling blocks – yours isn’t their first rodeo.
When it comes down to it, there isn’t too much that a divorce lawyer hasn’t seen, heard, or at least read about when it comes to the dissolution of marriages. You might not know that you actually have a quirk in your divorce. If you do, you can rest assured it will be handled correctly and in your best interest
5. Practical options are at their fingertips.
This goes along with the idea of foreseeing stumbling blocks noted in #4 above. A divorce lawyer can offer additional options that can save you money, save you headache (or heartache), or save you time. If you need a professional to help you value assets, find emotional stability, or support your children at this time, you’ll learn about these options without having to spend even more time finding them yourself. After all, if you’ve made it this far, surely you want this process to be finished asap and with the greatest possible preservation of assets.
6. Having a lawyer on your side means someone is looking out for you.
When you and your spouse think you have figured out how this marriage should end and how your mutual assets should be distributed, you really can’t be sure that things are resolving as favorably as they can be for you. Would the law allow you more? Would a judge consider your agreement unfair? You want to make sure that your assets are divided fairly, but also that other factors affecting your bottom line are considered, like proper valuation of assets and possible tax consequences in areas you didn’t even know existed. After all, when unnecessary expenses are avoided, money is saved. That translates into more money for you to feather your new, post-divorce nest, save for your children, get away for a while, or anything else your heart desires or your needs require.
7. Focus your time on your own healing, your children’s future, and your new future.
Yes, it is absolutely important that you know what’s going on in your divorce, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be running it yourself. What else is on your plate? Work, school, your broken heart, children that need extra time, care, and attention right now, starting a life from scratch, perhaps loss of friends if they have sided with your spouse, finding a new home, paying the bills … the list goes on and on. Devote your attention to the things that you need to handle: supporting your kids and setting up your new normal. Leave the paperwork, negotiating, and processes to those who facilitate divorces every day.
8. If your divorce needs to appear in front of a judge, it can be delayed if you aren’t fully prepared for, well, everything.
You may be mentally prepared to appear in front of a judge for what you think will be a quick and easy resolution of your divorce, but what if the judge isn’t satisfied? Avoid further delay by making sure that your entire divorce case has been reviewed by a Michigan divorce lawyer. Prolonging the process won’t do your mental health any good, and it will cost you more time and money.
9. Your divorce lawyer will be completely objective when your friends and family aren’t.
In addition to the sound information and direction you have found on our website, you have probably received lots of advice and guidance from friends and family. Your parents probably have advice for you, so does your cousin’s neighbor, the lady next door, and maybe even half of your book club. Stop the madness! Without experience in Michigan divorce cases and in Michigan courts, none of the people can give you the legal direction you absolutely have to have when ending your marriage. Some of them have very strong opinions because they love you, but that doesn’t make them objective, qualified, experienced lawyers. Smile, nod, and thank these folks. Then schedule a consultation with us to make sure you are headed in the right direction. And, since you are emotionally vested in the situation yourself, you need a completely objective set of eyes and ears.
10. Do you really like paperwork?
Can’t lie: there is paperwork involved in a divorce. Whether you have a divorce lawyer assisting you in this process or you go it alone, you will have to come up with documentation to itemize your assets. And that’s before you even get to the forms! It can be a big task, especially when your emotions are already fully charged and concentrating doesn’t come easy. You have other things to worry about right now. Paperwork shouldn’t be one of them.
There are definitely some times when a divorce lawyer is needed. You can learn more about that here. At other times, you will simply benefit from the support and guidance you can only get from an experienced Michigan divorce attorney, like those here at Findling Law. We want your divorce to move efficiently and without any additional challenges. And without you compromising your principles. Your new happiness awaits! Whether you go it alone or decide to let us take care of it all for you, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you got the direction you needed to start anew.
About Findling Law
Findling Law, PLC – 414 W. 5th St. Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
Phone:+1 (248) 399-3300
After hours emergency?+1 (707) 968-7347
Email:Daniel@Findlinglaw.com
I have been exclusively practicing divorce and family law in Michigan for over two decades. The attorneys at Findling Law all share the core value of practicing law to help people navigate change in their lives, without compromising principles. We specialize in high socio-economic, high-profile and high-conflict cases, while also working with clients of all backgrounds. We recognize that the most important aspect of the practice of law is the application of the law to your specific circumstances.That is why we provide more free information on divorce and family law than any other Michigan law firm. We want to help you manage your situation. Allow our exceptional legal team to help you navigate the change in your life, without compromising principles.
By: Daniel Findling
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