Do not try to represent yourself in a divorce proceeding. If you have significant assets or there is a custody action, you simply cannot afford to proceed without a divorce attorney. It is complicated to accurately value property or determine adequate child support or fair custody arrangements. 

Instead of taking a chance, find a divorce attorney to ensure that you are treated fairly by the court system. Take a minute to read this short guide so that you can determine how a qualified family attorney can protect your interests and those of your family.

Property and assets are a major point of contention in a divorce proceeding. Having more property, money and assets makes the entire divorce more complicated. In dividing the property, each party must make a determine of both the fair market value of the property (as well as its value to each party). 

While this might be straightforward with respect to retirement accounts, cash and marketable securities, valuing a business or other intangible asset is more complicated. A competent divorce attorney has the expertise to help you determine the value of each asset. Even though property is a major concern, it is custody and support that constitutes the greatest complicating factor in a divorce

Custody:  Your Children Are Your Life

Nothing complicates a divorce more than the high emotions associated with children, custody and support. Naturally, even loving parents do not act rationally or in the best interest of their children. This is a problem since the legal and moral standard in most states is to fashion a solution that is "in the best interest of the children." 

Children do not ask for the parents to get divorced and rely upon their parents to have the maturity to do what is best for them. Add the complicating factor that, in many states, older children can have a significant voice in determining their primary custodian. Custody is complicated and underscores the need to hire a qualified divorce attorney to arrive at a fair and equitable solution for the parties.

Divorce Lawyers Are Family Law Specialists

Where there are significant property or custody issues involved, you can understand why hiring a qualified divorce attorney is crucial. You can conduct your attorney search online or follow the recommendation of a friend or relative. 

But, remember, you need to find an attorney that practices family law because only a divorce lawyer has the experience and expertise to address the complications surrounding valuation of assets and calculation of child support and custody or minor children. A divorce lawyer will help you draft a settlement agreement that preserves and protects your rights as well as the rights of your children. If the case goes to trial, a divorce attorney will ensure that the court system treats you with the respect and dignity you deserve. All in all, the divorce attorney will be "in your corner" protecting your interests at a time where you will not be thinking or acting rationally.

Divorce Is Not A "Do It Yourself Project"

Now that you understand the issues involves, do you understand why you need a divorce attorney? Where there is a large marital estate or there are children involved, you simply cannot afford to represent yourself. Property valuation and division is tricky and can lead to an unequal distribution of property. Custody issues cause tempers and emotions to run high. You need a divorce attorney to help you value property fairly and find an arrangement that is in the best interest of the children, even in the midst of high emotions. 

If you objectively consider the high stakes involved, you must admit that hiring a divorce attorney represents a wise investment of your time and effort.