Divorce is usually a messy business. In the media, it is usually portrayed as a nasty battle for custody, money, and other valuable things. This is not always the case, but it usually is. Still, not every couple requires the services of an attorney. How can you tell if you need legal representation from a divorce attorney in Bloomington, IL? There are a few things to look for in your case that will let you know what your next step should be. Types of Divorce It may surprise you to hear that there are 2 types of divorce. Contested, the most common kind, usually arises when children or estates are involved. Monetary assets tend to be somewhat difficult to divide properly, especially when the couple has many joint accounts and did not sign any prenuptial agreements. Children are similarly difficult to divide; a judge must weigh the child's comfort and safety against the monetary resources and the desires of children and parents alike. Uncontested, on the other hand, is much simpler. It usually arises when there are no children, the parents know exactly what they want and have no quarrels with each other, there were predetermined outcomes in place from prenuptial agreements, or there is nothing to divide. Uncontested divorces are occasionally filed without the assistance of an attorney. However, even these usually require some legal assistance. Regardless of the type of divorce, most people do not have enough knowledge of the legal system and contract language to properly write and enact divorce agreements without bringing potentially serious consequences upon themselves. Problems with Uncontested Divorce One spouse changing his or her mind is a common problem during the divorce process. Occasionally, both parties may initially agree with each other, but one or both parties may later realize that they do not agree with their spouse after all. This can turn into a contested divorce if agreements cannot be reached without professional assistance. Another problem is the language used in contracts. Language is inherently flawed and often leaves exploitable loopholes. This is usually unintentional, but in some situations, a spouse might deliberately lead the other into a language trap in order to make things easier for him or herself after the divorce is finalized. Alternatively, this may even be a malicious act. Finally, another common problem is the divorce process itself. Although there are plenty of guides online, people may get lost in or confused by the legal system. Knowing what you want is not enough; sometimes you must make use of a guide and advocate in order to accomplish your divorce goals. When to Hire an Attorney You can look for a few clues to tell you whether or not you should hire legal representation in your divorce. Firstly, if you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement about how to divvy up your shared assets, how to raise your children, or any other important issue, you need an attorney. Secondly, if you have no idea how to write a contract or you are confused by legal jargon, you definitely need an attorney's assistance. Thirdly, if your spouse has hired an attorney, you should hire one too. This puts you both on even ground and ensures that you will get your voice heard and your needs met during the process and after finalization. Lastly, if you feel that you simply cannot do this on your own, don't be afraid to contact a divorce attorney in Bloomington, IL. Divorce is usually the final act in a marriage, so it is very important to do it right!
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