Not every divorce is a contentious experience. There are many couples who amicably agree to go their separate ways, with no particular acrimony or major disputes. All of the legal issues relating to the dissolution of the marriage are more or less agreed upon; this is known as an uncontested divorce. But for splits like this, is a divorce attorney necessary? What kind of support can a lawyer provide in a situation where the two parties are generally getting along?

When There Are Substantial Assets

The issue of asset distribution is a complex area in any divorce. For those couples who jointly own a substantial amount of assets, the matter is that much more involved. You and your spouse will have to review and discuss each asset and come to a resolution as to who will retain it. This can be a long and involved process. A divorce attorney will help facilitate conversation and keep communication moving until mutually agreeable solutions are reached.

When You're Unsure About Paperwork

It will come as no surprise that divorce involves an inordinate amount of paperwork. Documents need to be completed correctly and filed with the appropriate departments and institutions. Contracts, like a divorce settlement, need to include legally sound language and terms. Divorce decrees need to be obtained from the courts to carry out a number of tasks, such as a spouse who wants to revert to their maiden name. If you're ever unsure about the various paperwork involved in your divorce, an attorney's guidance can be crucial.

When Your Spouse Lawyers Up

It's not unheard of for a spouse in an uncontested divorce to hire their own attorney to safeguard their interests. This is not necessarily an indication that a battle will ensue or the situation is going to get ugly; this could simply mean that your soon-to-be ex is just being careful and looking out for all of the legalities. However, once one spouse lawyers up, the other spouse should follow suit. You don't want to go up against a lawyer without counsel of your own, no matter how peaceable the divorce might be.

Divorce attorney Charley Johnson at The Law Offices of Charley Johnson in Centerville, TX, will help you navigate the complexities of divorce, whether it’s uncontested or a source of friction and debate. For more than three decades, he has been representing Leon County in family law, DWI, and real estate issues. Call (903) 536-2185, visit him online, or contact him on Facebook or Twitter to schedule an appointment today.