Now that you've decided to end your marriage, you may wonder whether you need to hire a lawyer or if you can handle the divorce on your own. Though you may be a competent and capable do-it-yourselfer in many other areas, law – and especially divorce law – is one field that's best left to the professionals. Here's what you need to know about the dangers of a DIY Virginia divorce and how MacDowell Law Group's experienced Fairfax attorneys can help you more effectively achieve your objectives.
Doing Your Own Divorce Won't Save You Time or Money
Think a do-it-yourself divorce will save you time or money? Think again. Virginia divorce law is complex and complicated. When you don't know the statutes or understand the legal procedures or deadlines, you can inadvertently cause delays and make mistakes, resulting in your divorce taking longer and costing more to finalize.
DIY Divorce Can Result in an Inequitable Distribution of Assets and Debts
Asset and debt distribution is a common point of contention in divorce. Even when you and your spouse agree on the division, it's vital for both parties to have their own attorneys. This ensures that neither party misses out on assets to which they're entitled or gets stuck with more than their fair share of marital debt.
Handling a Divorce Without an Attorney Can Make Custody and Support Matters More Difficult
You have custody and support rights in your Virginia divorce. However, if you don't have a lawyer, you may not know what those rights are or how to assert them. Our skilled divorce attorneys can help you maintain a relationship with your children and ensure you get or pay a fair amount of child support. We can also help you explore your options for spousal support (alimony).
We Can Help You Avoid Costly Divorce Mistakes
Trying to fix problems in a finalized divorce agreement can be costly and contentious. At MacDowell Law Group, our seasoned Virginia divorce lawyers can help you avoid costly mistakes, protect your rights, achieve your goals, and resolve your divorce as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Do You Need to Speak to a Virginia Divorce Attorney?
If you are considering divorce you need to speak with an experienced Virginia divorce attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Fairfax, Virginia law office at 703.277.2811 to schedule your free consultation. We help clients throughout Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia and look forward to helping you.
Related Links:
- Fighting for Fair Alimony Awards
- Requirements for a Virginia Divorce
- Working With an Attorney for Uncontested Divorce