As many former Pennsylvania couples can attest, getting a divorce can be an expensive process. In order to save some money, some people may try to represent themselves in court. While this can certainly save money in the short run, it could result in a settlement that leaves neither party happy. As such, there are some valid reasons why each party should have a separate family law attorney.
One of the main reasons that most people appreciate the assistance of divorce attorneys is that most laymen are unfamiliar with divorce proceedings and matrimonial law. Most individuals who try to represent themselves may not know what paperwork to bring or how to prepare for court, which can annoy the judge over time. Just dealing with the amount of paperwork involved can be overwhelming, especially because it is this paperwork that helps the judge make decisions. If something is accidentally omitted, the ramifications could be huge.
A family law attorney also can provide support and objective advice as it is needed. This may include suggesting certain options that a person who is going through a divorce may not know about. Additionally, if both parties are trying to settle, an attorney can help ensure that the terms are acceptable so that it will more likely be accepted by a judge. Further, legal counsel can also check to make sure that the other party is not hiding assets.
Finally, an attorney’s job is to keep an eye on the end result. The attorney can help ensure that the client is in accord with the proposed terms of the property division settlement agreement.