Understanding Divorce Attorneys

Going through a divorce is hard emotionally, mentally, and sometimes even financially. Luckily, you can hire a divorce attorney to assist you through the whole process. 

What Is a Divorce Attorney?

A divorce attorney is the type of attorney that specializes in family and divorce law. Contrary to popular belief, divorce attorneys are responsible for more than just helping you finalize your divorce. They are a great resource to have when going through this difficult process. 

What Does a Divorce Attorney Do?

Your attorney is there to be your counsel and offer advice whenever you need it, but they can assist in so many other ways as well. 

Other tasks your divorce attorney will assist with include:

• Annulment
• Legal separation
• Child custody
• Child visitation
• Child support
• Documentation and paperwork
• Representation in court
• Divides debts and assets

What to Look For in a Divorce Attorney

Divorce is a difficult process, so a good divorce attorney is going to be kind and non-judgmental. You will need to confide in your divorce lawyer more than you might want to, so finding a divorce attorney you feel you can trust is important. Make sure the attorney you decide to hire is a good listener and can give you their undivided attention.

What Education Should My Divorce Attorney Have?

After finishing high school, most lawyers receive a bachelor's degree. After that, your attorney would have had to go on to law school to receive a Juris Doctorate degree. To legally be practicing law, your attorney should be able to prove that they passed the bar exam in their state. There are also certificates your attorney could have optionally received to specialize in family and divorce law. 

Can You Share Divorce Attorneys?

Sharing divorce attorneys in a divorce case is prohibited. Your divorce attorney is not allowed to represent both you and your spouse. Remember, your attorney is in charge of fighting for your right and putting your interests first. They cannot do that for both parties in a divorce. You and your spouse are required to have your own divorce attorney. 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Divorce Attorney?

The cost of your divorce attorney could depend on how difficult you and your spouse make the case. Divorce attorneys generally charge between $150-$500 per hour, not including the retainer fee. If you decide to hire a private investigator or require extra services from your divorce attorney, the cost will quickly rise.