5 Reasons You Should Hire a Child Custody Lawyer During Your Divorce
Although most states don't require you to hire a lawyer, sometimes it might be the best way to protect your interests in a divorce. Negotiate Your Divorce, Without an Attorney Although divorce is one of the most complex and emotional legal processes in family law, not all couples require in-depth court assistance to end their marriage.
Another thing to consider is hiring a consulting attorney, who can simply perform a review of your proposed divorce settlement before you sign it. It's important to understand that when you agree to the terms of the divorce, and a judge signs your judgment, you will be bound by that agreement and court order.
In some cases, especially those involving domestic violence, legal aid can furnish an attorney to work with you for the entirety of your case. If you don't qualify for legal aid, you may be able to find an attorney willing to take your case "pro bono," which means for free.
Depending on where you live, divorce can cost more than $25,000 when you hire an attorney. If you can't afford an attorney, you can call your local legal aid office to see if you qualify for assistance. Most legal aid programs have limited resources, so you might only have the opportunity to speak with an attorney over the phone.