Why to Hire a Divorce Lawyer
The U.S. divorce rate has nearly doubled since 1960, according to the National Marriage Project, an initiative of the University of Virginia, and, according to the Wall Street Journal’s Smart Money magazine, the number of legal professionals dealing with divorce has increased accordingly. During the recession, advertisements for ‘quick and easy’ divorce (boasting prices as low as $299 to file) popped up all across the country—yet, according to Smart Money, sometimes this price is just a eye-catcher to get you in the door. While it’s not a scam, these low rates apply for couples that have already decided on the terms of their settlement, which is rare.
Many of these lawyers who advertise with paper fliers on telephone poles have not proven themselves with a successful track record, and are more likely to end up embroiled in scandal. The importance of hiring a reputable and experienced attorney can't be overstated—lawsuits against family law attorneys increased by more than double in the past two decades. To determine if the lawyer you're interested in hiring has any black marks against his record, always be sure to cross check his firm with the state bar association.
Having said that, divorce proceedings are near to impossible to go through without the help of a qualified, honest, and dedicated professional. The number of do-it-yourself divorces has increased in recent years, as have many areas traditionally left for professionals in the age of the Internet. The forms for Illinois are available online, but many who attempt to file for divorce without the assistance of a qualified professional end up incurring more fees than they would have just hiring a lawyer. Attorneys can also help to ensure that you get the best settlement that you can if your case goes to court. If you're interested in really saving money when it comes to divorce, attempt to settle as much as you can with your future ex out of court—doing this, an experienced lawyer can actually help save you cash throughout the process. If you or someone you know is considering divorce, contact a dedicated Illinois divorce attorney today.
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