Do I Still Need an Attorney for an Amicable Divorce?

If you’re getting divorced in Florida, you may have heard that the state follows a “no-fault” system. This is great news if you and your ex are splitting up on relatively amicable terms, because there’s no need to point the finger. But is a no-fault, amicable divorce really as simple as it sounds? Many spouses assume that they don’t even need a lawyer for this process, and it’s as simple as heading down to the courthouse and signing a piece of paper. But is that really true? Let’s find out:

How an Amicable Divorce Works in Florida

You’re right to assume that an amicable divorce is much easier than a contested divorce in Florida. After all, less arguing means a faster divorce. And guess what a faster divorce means?

That’s right, a faster divorce is always cheaper. Less time on the clock means lower attorney fees — and that’s definitely a major plus. Unlike a litigated divorce (a divorce that is resolved by a trial), you can handle an amicable divorce behind closed doors. You and your ex simply need to come together, agree how to deal with things like property division, custody, and support payments.

Why You Still Need a Lawyer for an Amicable Divorce

On the other hand, you’re wrong to assume that a lawyer is useless in this situation. Divorce attorneys can help you understand what you need to agree upon. Without their guidance, it’s easy to overlook key issues, such as:

• Who gets the pet
• How family vacations are handled
• How the family business is divided
• Whether there are any commingled assets
• The tax implications of property division
• Whether child support should cover college

Those are just a few examples of things that you might overlook without the guidance of an attorney.

In addition, you’ll need a lawyer to draft your separation agreement. This is the legal document that details every aspect of your divorce. It must be drafted correctly. If not, a judge may invalidate it — forcing you to start from scratch. In other words, a lawyer helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures that your divorce goes as smoothly as possible.

You Need Someone Fighting in Your Corner

Just on a general note, a lawyer is helpful because they fight for your best interests. You might have a lot less financial knowledge compared to your spouse. They might promise you that a certain arrangement is in everyone’s best interest. But how do you know for sure? The only way to make sure you’re getting your fair share is to have a lawyer on your side.

Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Divorce Attorney in Trenton?

If you’ve been searching for a Trenton divorce attorney you can rely on, the Shochet Law Group has you covered. We’ve guided numerous spouses through this process over the years, including those going through amicable divorces. You’re right to assume that this process is relatively quick and easy — but you should definitely still consider getting a lawyer. If you try to do this on your own, you might encounter numerous time-consuming issues. Book your consultation today to get started.

Sources

1. https://www.floridabar.org/public/consumer/pamphlet010/

Shochet Law Group

409 N. Main Street
Trenton, FL 32693
(352) 354-4518 or (877) 548-9888
[email protected]

If you have further questions about this article or legal concerns, call 800-672-3103