Is there any particular reason why I should hire a lawyer…

“Is there any particular reason why I should hire a lawyer rather than doing a do-it-yourself divorce?”

There are many reasons why it is better to hire than a lawyer for the purposes of going through a divorce. Three primary reasons are as follows:

Navigation through the court system
Filing for divorce involves navigating a complex court system fraught with paperwork and easily misunderstood rules. Hiring a lawyer saves you the stress of figuring out the process and ensures that you cover all of your bases and obtain the result you are entitled to. A lawyer will know what has to be filed and when, will know what supporting documentation is required for your pleadings, how to draft the documents properly, as well as the proper forms of service. When you’re handling the administrative aspect of a divorce on your own, you’re essentially taking on a second job that will consume your non-working hours. In hiring a lawyer, you have someone who will assume the burden of organization on your behalf and ensure that you obtain the order(s) you are seeking in an expeditious manner. A lawyer will also walk you through the court appearances, explaining what a Case Conference or Offer to Settle entail, so that both your expectations and any anxieties are managed.

Rights
When you hire a lawyer, you are hiring someone who, ideally, has knowledge of the most up-to-date legislation and case law applicable to your matter. More importantly, the practitioner should have the experience to deal with your specific situation. Most individuals aren’t familiar with the laws governing the division of pension credits, property division, and the quantum and duration of spousal support, not to mention their parental rights and obligations. In hiring a lawyer, you have automatic access to a database of knowledge surrounding your rights and how you may maximize on them.

Bargaining Power
When you hire a lawyer to represent you in a matrimonial matter, you redefine the power dynamic of the relationship that you are leaving. Oftentimes, when individuals attempt to handle their divorces on their own, they leave themselves open to the same intimidation and manipulation that marked the relationship and led to its disintegration in the first place. Many people find it stressful and overwhelming to find their voice when squaring off with an antagonistic spouse. When you hire a lawyer to deal with your spouse on your behalf, you are recalibrating the power balance and keeping yourself from being cowed by someone to whom you most likely still have an emotional tie. Likewise, a good lawyer will dissuade you from letting your emotions dictate your decisions so that you are not propelled forward by feelings of spite or anger.

Knowledge is power; a lawyer will provide you with the tools to tackle your separation and divorce.

Epstein & Associates is a team of Ontario family lawyers that are committed to helping clients through divorce, evidenced by the guidance and understanding applied to each family law situation.