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This is an excellent question and one that we get asked quite often. With all the websites dedicated to free legal advice and ready-to-print forms, it’s understandable that you are wondering if it’s really worth it to hire a lawyer to represent you in divorce court. The answer really depends on your circumstances. In most cases, however, going to court without a lawyer is like trying to diagnose your own ear infection. You have absolutely no way to see inside your own ear well enough to make a precise diagnosis. It’s more likely, however, that you will cause damage by going to alone.

If you are certain your particular situation is 100 percent friendly and that there is no chance that, somewhere along the line, one of you is going to get upset, protective of your children or material assets, or worried about whether the other will agree to the amicable split you are hoping to achieve, you need a lawyer. In most cases, as amicable as a situation seems at the start, it just doesn’t seem to end up that way. This is because divorces, by definition, are a parting of the ways. It stands to reason that if you agreed on everything during your marriage, you may not be facing separation now. Right?

Other reasons to hire an experienced divorce attorney who will fight tirelessly for your interests include:

• Your spouse is hiring an attorney. This should be a red flag that things aren’t going to be as simple as you hope. If your spouse is hiring representation, do the same.
• You believe your spouse is hiding assets. If you have any reason to believe that your spouse may be looking to get an alimony or child support agreement based on only a portion of their assets, you need a lawyer who will investigate the situation and make sure your payments fit your needs and your soon-to-be ex’s ability to pay.
• You think your spouse may try to move the children out of state or you believe hammering out a custody/visitation schedule is going to be a battle. Your children mean the world to you. Protect their rights and yours by making sure your attorney will do everything possible to make sure the kids stay with you, if that’s what you want.
• You think your spouse is ready for a fight, or they are out for blood. (Or quite frankly, you want to wage war.) Don’t go into battle alone. A skilled litigator who won’t back down is the one you need in your corner and your table in the courtroom.

The knowledgeable attorneys at Graziano & Flynn have represented countless South Jersey clients, like you, in divorce court. We will make sure assets are divided equitably and that you won’t pay a penny of marital debt you didn’t at least partially incur. Please contact the experienced attorneys at Graziano & Flynn for a free, initial consultation by phone or contact us online.