Divorce proceedings are complicated, and disputes are likely to arise in splits that are fairly amicable, especially if children or significant assets are involved. As a result, it is wise to enlist a family law attorney to protect your best interests every step of the way. But what if your spouse does not want to hire his or her own lawyer? Below, the legal team at Brandau & Waltz Law Office LLP in La Crosse, WI, explains how the decision could affect you.

What Happens If Your Spouse Doesn’t Get a Lawyer?

1. The Proceedings Will Take Longer

Since your spouse is going to have to review and interpret all the legal paperwork alone, you can expect every exchange of documents to take a long time. Mistakes are also more likely, and identifying and fixing any errors that your spouse makes along the way will only add to the total duration of the proceedings.

2. The Hearings Will Be Stressful

Your family law attorney is going to prepare you for every court appearance by ensuring you know what to wear, how to carry yourself, and when to speak. Since your spouse will not have this same guidance, he or she may stumble when answering questions or end up saying something that is not relevant to the line of questioning but upsets you all the same. You can prepare for stressful hearings by expecting the unexpected and practice deep breathing exercises to remain calm.

3. The Negotiations Will Be Contentious

During the settlement negotiations, it is common for attorneys to serve as a voice of reason at times and remind their clients what matters most. If your spouse does not hire a lawyer, though, he or she will not have this kind of guidance during the proceedings and may be especially stubborn on certain issues as a result.

You may not have any control over your spouse, but it is still in your best interests to seek legal counsel when pursuing divorce. If you need an experienced lawyer, turn to Brandau & Waltz Law Office LLP in La Crosse, WI. Their legal team is proud to give every client the personalized attention they deserve. You can learn more about the firm’s foundation in family law by visiting their website. To schedule an initial consultation with one of their seasoned attorneys, call (608) 784-2050.