Not everyone needs a divorce attorney during a case in Mission Viejo. Some couples can work out settlement agreements on their own, unrepresented. You might not need a lawyer if you have a simple, uncontested divorce case. This is a case in which you and your spouse both agree on every term of the divorce, including property division, child custody, alimony and child support. If you can both work together and agree on these terms, you can take your agreement to a judge for approval. If you have a complicated case, however, hiring an attorney could be in your best interest.
Divorce involving minor children
Child custody or support
Child visitation
High-asset divorce
Contested divorce
Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
Spousal support payments
Divorce involving domestic violence
If you and your spouse are struggling to compromise or agree on the terms of your divorce or legal separation, hire an attorney to protect you. Otherwise, your spouse may take advantage of you during a contested divorce. A lawyer can help you with key issues, improving the odds of achieving a divorce settlement rather than having to go to trial. This could save you substantial time and money. As a general rule, it is wise to hire a lawyer if your ex-spouse has hired one. If your spouse has a lawyer and you do not, this could put you at a disadvantage during settlement negotiations or a divorce trial. Rather than going up against an attorney unrepresented, hire a lawyer to take over for you. Matching your ex’s lawyer with your own can ensure the protection of your rights during a complicated divorce case.