One of the most common questions when it comes to a divorce is when to hire a lawyer. In fact, most people assume that in order to get a divorce, you need to hire a lawyer right away. Hiring a divorce lawyer makes certain assumptions about the divorce process that are not necessarily the case. Here are some things to consider as you determine whether you need to hire an attorney for your divorce.
1. You do not have to go through the court system to have your divorce granted: You can choose mediation to resolve all issues related to your divorce including child custody, division of property and spousal maintenance/child support. Your mediator should have experience with Minnesota law and can guide you through the process without having to ever step foot into a courtroom.
2. You do not have to hire a lawyer at all to resolve the terms of your divorce: You can settle the terms of your divorce without having to hire a divorce attorney. A lawyer is expensive and can actually increase the overall conflict between the two sides, pinning you against each other. Working with a mediator can reduce the conflict and often results in solutions that are better in the long run for you and your family.
3. The Minnesota court system requires you to attempt an alternative dispute resolution tool before going through the courts: The Minnesota court schedule is very backed up and cannot accommodate all of the divorce cases in the area. So, the courts require that all couples try mediation (or another alternative dispute resolution technique) before litigation. If you do not litigate your divorce, you are not required to hire a lawyer.
4. Litigation increases conflict in the divorce process: Litigation pins you and your ex against each other during a time when there is already significant conflict present. A court battle forces you into a win/lose mindset and, in reality, everyone actually loses. Well, everyone except the lawyers who stand to make a lot of money because of your battle. However, when you settle your divorce using mediation, you are empowered to cooperate and find solutions that work for all of you.
Resolving your Divorce without a Lawyer in Minnesota
AMS Mediation is a local mediation firm with skill and experience helping families navigate the divorce process, without needing an attorney. We offer divorce mediation, coaching services, as well as parenting time expeditor services and parenting consulting services that help you resolve your issues, rather than ramping up the conflict. For more information about our services, give us a call at 952-252-1492.
