Divorce attorneys are licensed professionals that aid in finalizing divorce agreements among spouses. While there are instances in which a divorcing couple can agree and compromise on all circumstances of their divorce, in many cases, a divorce attorney is needed to facilitate these settlements.
It’s a common misconception that divorce attorneys are only needed in cases that end up going to trial. However, divorce attorneys also work with their clients to reach an agreement before a case goes to trial. They work to iron out the details regarding children (child custody and visitation), financial support, and assets and property.
Additionally, to protect both clients and attorneys from extended litigation, it’s common practice for attorneys to sign an agreement that addresses a trial situation. These agreements typically stipulate that in the event that a divorce case goes to trial, the attorney will no longer work with their client on the case and the clients will have to hire a new attorney.
A divorce attorney is bound by their state’s law regarding the handling of the divorce. For example, a Rochester divorce attorney would be bound by the same laws that govern a Buffalo divorce attorney, as they are both practicing in New York. However, a Rochester divorce attorney follows a different set of divorce laws than an attorney practicing out of Vicksburg, Mississippi.