Our Best Advice About Lawyers and Fees
Many people believe that they can successfully represent themselves during divorce. They fail to anticipate all the problems and obstacles that can arise as the case moves forward. They think that they agree about money and children. They are tempted by do-it-yourself divorce websites.
Should You Try to Represent Yourself?
At The Massachusetts Family Law Group, our Worcester attorneys advise people about hiring a lawyer for divorce. We encourage people to ask themselves the following questions:
- Are you and your spouse at the same level of emotional stability and honesty?
- Will both of you stand up for yourselves and your rights?
- Are you childless with modest assets and no family business?
- Do you agree with your spouse on every issue, including child custody, child support, property division, alimony and all other matters?
If you answered "yes" to every question, you can probably represent yourself. The Worcester County Probate and Family Court has materials to help you. Be warned, however, that judges do not make allowances for people who represent themselves.
Reasons to Hire a Lawyer — Get a Home-Court Advantage
If you answered "no" to any of these questions, you should consider hiring an attorney. If your spouse has already hired a lawyer, you need to find your own representation quickly. It is important to have an advocate who knows the preferences of each judge and the procedures of each courtroom.
How Our Attorneys Protect Clients
When you choose our law firm to represent you in divorce, our lawyers can protect you in ways that you would probably not think of if you represented yourself such as:
- We ensure that the property division process does not leave you with an unexpected and large tax bill.
- We make sure that all assets are identified and included during property division.
- We make sure that all retirement accounts are properly valued and fairly distributed.
- Our settlement agreements are very detailed and cover all contingencies so that you will not have to go to court later on to modify an order.
- If you can't afford a lawyer for the entire process, we can still help you with an in-depth consultation that costs little but can save you thousands of dollars.
Criteria for Hiring an Attorney
1. Because all attorneys should have a narrow practice focus, select an attorney who specializes in family law. Think about it. If your case relates to parenting issues, you don't want to work with an attorney who focuses on medical malpractice, do you?
When it comes to family law, find an attorney who practices with a law firm set up to deal with the forms and paperwork which are part of the Worcester divorce process. Automation streamlines the experience and saves you time and money.
2. Decide if you are comfortable with a male or female attorney. It's a personal choice, but an important one for a person who is about to end his or her marriage.
3. Choose an attorney who has practiced in Worcester County. You want a legal team that knows the judges and opposing counsel.
4. Your attorney should work at all times, zealously, toward the goal of getting the case resolved. Does the attorney realize that without a specific action plan the case is likely to take more time and cost more? Does the attorney routinely schedule a settlement conference at the earliest time available? Does the attorney typically provide a settlement offer to the other side at the earliest opportunity? These are thing things that you want to be asking.
5. Hire an attorney who has been through the process himself or herself. You want somebody who has not only survived, but actually thrived and rebuilt a wonderful life for himself or herself and his or her children.
Learn Whether You Need a Lawyer
Clients often tell us how working with us is like holding a roadmap through the complex maze of the Worcester Probate and Family Court. We help our clients grasp issues, set out a clear court strategy, counter their spouse's dirty tricks, master skills of testifying, handle setbacks and adversity, and proceed effectively in contested matters.
Contact our Worcester office to discuss whether to hire an attorney. Call us toll-free at (800) 970-LAWYER. No matter which path you take, don't make the mistake of trying to save on legal fees and represent yourself.
