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Whether you should hire an attorney when filing for a divorce is a much-debated topic, and the process of hiring this expert in itself is somewhat a challenge, writes Jeff Landers for Forbes. However, regardless of what you decide in regards to this, you also need to understand that there are other experts that might need to be involved. Some of them are essential if your case goes to court, while others can help you navigate an uncontested divorce.
While the exact people included in your “team” can vary depending on your personal circumstances, the most basic set of experts you should have in your corner includes:
Therapist or Counselor
Going through a divorce is an emotionally taxing and stressful experience even if you part amicably. Considering how closely tied your mental and physical health is. It’s best to ensure that you get professional help during this time.
Friends and family are great for emotional support, but with a challenge like this their words and hugs might not be enough. Those who have children must consider hiring a counselor or therapist a priority because divorce might be extremely traumatizing for them. And while it’s better than living in a bad marriage, you should definitely ensure your children suffer as little as possible.
Financial Planner
If you think that only people with huge estates need the help of a financial planner for divorce, you are very wrong. Also, it’s not as if you should only hire this expert when you hire a lawyer as well. In fact, with a good financial planner, you might be able to cut the costs of your divorce to the minimum.
And those costs will always be there, regardless of whether the attorney’s fee is included. You need to understand that no divorce is completely free, says an experienced family attorney Laura E. Wasser. The costs will vary depending on your state and situation. In this regard, an uncontested divorce in California will cost you at least $435, and that’s only in the filing fees. On the other hand, an uncontested divorce in Wyoming can cost as little as $70 if you don’t use any additional services.
Hiring a financial planner might seem like a waste of money, but it’s actually the step that can help you stick to that uncontested divorce as opposed to paying $20,000+ to a lawyer who will fight for what you consider to be yours in court.
The purpose of the financial divorce planner is to assess your financial situation and to provide detailed explanations on the outcome of each settlement option you negotiate. Moreover, they will provide affidavits and a variety of various documentation as necessary.
With the help of this expert, you’ll be able to split your assets most effectively and fairly under the current legislation.
Bear in mind that in order to get the most out of this expert[‘s help you need to hire someone experienced in divorce planning, in particular. A regular personal accountant or financial advisor won’t be able to understand all intricacies of the legal process, thus their advice will be subpar at best.
Vocational Evaluator
A vocational evaluator is an expert who will be a great help to you if your divorce is conflicted, especially in matters of support. Sometimes one of the spouses will quit their job or switch to one with a lower pay.
This is a machination that should get them out of paying support or to help them claim larger payments. This expert, however, will investigate the situation and offer their qualified opinion as to whether the other party of the divorce genuinely has a problem or if they are trying to cheat. This can be extremely valuable both during negotiations and in court.
With these three professionals supporting you the divorce will become easier. And while it will never be truly stress-free, you will be able to get through it and move on with your life faster.