subject: Why You Need A Divorce Lawyer Of Your Own [print this page] A divorce lawyer is a professional you can rely on to help you to get through this very difficult time of your life. Although some couples decide that they can use one attorney for the process, this is rarely a good thing. You need your own legal representative, not just someone working for both of you. The reason for this is very simple. Without a professional you can trust on your own, there is no way to know if the person working with you is really working for your best interests. This is, ultimately, not something you want to risk. There are various reasons for it, too.
Child Custody Agreements
Without your own divorce lawyer working for you, you risk not having someone who can legally give you the best possible advice on how to manage child custody agreements. Do you really believe that your soon-to-be ex-spouse is going to be willing to work for your best interest in this matter? Child custody agreements include payment of child support as well as where the child will reside. How much time will each parent get? Will the other parent be able to move out of state with your child?
Property Division
Yet another reason not to have a shared attorney is because you need a fair and equitable split in property. In other words, you do not know what deals or agreements are made behind your back if you hire a professional to represent both of you. Could you risk losing your home and more than half of the assets of a marriage? Rather, it is best to work with your own attorneys who can help you to get a fair share of what should belong to you. Ultimately, that's what is fair in most marriages.
Support and Rights
Your rights are present even if you think they are not. The fact is, even if you are the cause of the reason the marriage is ending, you still have legal rights to your children and your assets. You also have the right to support in many cases. Even if you are making money on your own, you still may be able to get alimony or other support. With attorneys working for you solely, you can ensure your rights are protected in these areas.
You need your own divorce lawyer. Do not agree to share the same attorney. Hire someone that is working just for you. That way, you know that there is no risk that the spouse is going to do anything that would otherwise inflict damage on your ability to build a successful future and a new life of your own. You deserve this opportunity.