Partner
If you and your spouse or the parent of your child separate, the time has come to seriously consider hiring a family law attorney. Parents and spouses who split up may initially be on good terms, but even in a relatively amicable environment the need for counsel cannot be overlooked. Countless clients in Middlesex County and other parts of Massachusetts have trusted LaFountain & Wollman P.C. to handle their family law needs. Here, we consider ten situations in which you should reach out to us.
Understanding of Massachusetts Domestic Laws
First and foremost, an experienced family lawyer is going to know the relevant domestic statutes that govern these types of cases. Either you or the other party may be doing something contrary to the law. What you do from this point forward will affect your rights and interests, so speak with an attorney.
The Other Party Is Discouraging You From Hiring An Attorney
If you’ve ever been in a car accident, warning bells have probably gone off in your head if the at-fault driver has urged you “not to get insurance involved.” The same basic concern exists here. If the other party is trying to keep you from talking to a lawyer, there may be a good reason to do so.
Things May Go Well For Now, But Not Forever
Parents and spouses separate on good terms all the time, and for a while that may work for you. However, there may come a time when you and the other party no longer see eye to eye. At that point, you will need to not only hire a lawyer but catch up on the time you missed not having one.
A Lawyer Ensures a Continued Amicable Relationship
Retaining a family law attorney mayl help keep your relationship with your spouse or the parent of your child on positive terms. A lawyer can guide you on how best to conduct yourself moving forward. Plus, the other party will take your concerns more seriously if he or she knows you have an attorney.
There Is a History of Conflict or Abuse
If your marriage or your relationship with the other parent was turbulent, there’s a strong chance the divorce or separation will be as well. This is yet another situation in which hiring an attorney early can avoid foreseeable problems down the road. A lawyer can also help you take the steps needed to protect yourself and your child in abusive or dangerous situations.
You Wish to Avoid Extensive Litigation
Conversely, you and the other party may wish to keep things as simple and stress-free as possible. You have the chance to settle much of your divorce or child custody and child support matters out-of-court through a process known as mediation. Settlement can help resolve all outstanding family law matters in a way that saves you time and money.
There Is An Imbalance of Wealth, Education, or Power
Some marriages and parental relationships are imbalanced. One party may have considerably more money, knowledge, or leverage than the other. To protect your rights, you need to hire an attorney right away. A family lawyer can level the playing field and ensure you are treated fairly during your domestic matter.
Effective Presentation of Your Case
An experienced family law attorney will also understand how to effectively advocate for you. There is often a right way and a wrong way to present your arguments as to why you should have more custody or more of the marital property, for example. Let an attorney guide you and argue your case on your behalf.
Understanding Rules of Procedure and Other Rules
Knowing the law is more than understanding the domestic statutes. Civil cases, such as those in family law, implicate various rules such as domestic relations procedure, evidence, discovery, and more. If you and your spouse or parent are going to court, you need someone who knows these rules. The right attorney will.
The Other Party Has Retained Counsel
Last but not least, if the other spouse or parent has hired an attorney, you need to at least speak with one. When both parties have legal representation there is a much better chance of either settling the case or avoiding unnecessary strife. If you’ve received any communication from a lawyer representing the other party, reach out to us.
Contact Our Firm Today
If you’re unsure about hiring an attorney, let LaFountain & Wollman P.C. explain the various benefits to having one. Call us today to get started.