Not all marriages are meant to last forever. That’s an unfortunate fact. If you are looking to get a divorce, the best thing you can do is hire an attorney. No matter what you do, the process will take its toll on your emotional wellbeing. A skilled lawyer can at least ensure that you get a fair outcome. Ontario allows for both fault-based and no-fault divorce. If you are wondering whether or not you need an Ottawa divorce lawyer, here are some solid reasons to consider.
Understand the legal process and your rights
Even if you were a stay-at-home spouse, you have your rights. There are legal aspects that matter in a divorce, regardless of the equation between spouses. A lawyer will explain every detail in depth so that you don’t sign the papers in a rush. Your friends and family may offer emotional support, but legal support and advice should come from an attorney. Lawyers also know what it takes to mediate and negotiate, and therefore, they will do their best to ensure that the divorce is settled at the earliest.
Find more about basic aspects
There are four key pointers in a divorce – alimony, distribution of assets, child support, and child custody. If you cannot come to an agreement on these pointers with your spouse, the divorce will take longer. Your lawyer has a big role in how you agree to certain things. Your lawyer will offer advice based on facts, not emotions. For instance, if you are not getting child custody, what should be your visitation rights? Can you expect alimony from your spouse? If yes, what is the realistic amount you can expect in spousal support and child support? Let an attorney explain all that.
Manage the paperwork better
Before you sign anything related to the divorce, let an attorney check everything. They will help you get legal and binding contracts as needed. They will also ensure that there are no unwanted errors or confusion in the final papers. Paperwork in a divorce can be extensive, and without an attorney, you could end up agreeing to something you don’t understand in the first place. Just for the paperwork, you need to get a lawyer.
Final word
There is no denying that divorces are complicated and overwhelming. However, when you have legal expertise and counsel on your side, you may not end up with a raw deal. If your spouse has hired an attorney, it’s evident that they are protecting their interests. It would help if you did that too.