I Am Getting Divorced. Do I Need an Attorney?

You are not required to have an attorney represent you for divorce in the state of Arizona. Since it is a no-fault divorce state, you don’t need a specific reason to file for one.

If you’ve only been married a short time, you have few marital assets, and you have no issues with child custody or support, then you might be able to handle a divorce alone. However, there are many circumstances where you will want an attorney to represent you in your Glendale divorce.

Certain circumstances can make a divorce more complex, and you may want to consult a divorce lawyer to obtain valuable legal advice on how to proceed.

When Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer in Arizona?

If any of the following circumstances apply to you, you shouldn’t handle your divorce on your own:

You Have Children

When you have any minor or dependent children, you will need to discuss custody and who gets legal decision-making authority. You will also need to consider parenting time and if you can co-parent. Often, many issues arise with the children when spouses decide to end a marriage, such as which school the kids will attend, their religious affiliation, and other important decisions.

While you may initially get along and be in agreement about the divorce, things can and do change. As you both move forward and develop new relationships, consider how you will want your children raised. It is always best to negotiate the agreement about the custody of your children and child support from the beginning, otherwise you’d need to change court orders later on.

You Share Debts

In a marriage, you share assets and debts. You will not just be able to wash your hands of those debts by getting divorced. A lawyer ensures that the redistribution is approached fairly.

Businesses and Properties Are Involved

If either of you owns a business or a separate property, things can get complicated during the divorce. With an attorney, you will have someone who is looking out for your best interests during the dissolution of your marriage.

Your Spouse Has an Attorney

If your spouse has already found legal representation, you should too. You will want someone with knowledge of the laws to make sure that you don’t lose assets or that the ones you share are fairly valued.

The biggest surprise for people that choose to represent themselves in a divorce is that the court will treat them as though they know the laws and rules for processing their case. You must follow the deadlines, and missing one may mean you do not get to participate further in your case.

It makes more sense to consult with an experienced Glendale divorce lawyer to help you identify any issues in your case. If you want to be on the safe side, you should get legal representation to prevent significant problems from arising as you go your separate ways.