Whether you’ve been contemplating divorce for months or just recently started considering it, finding a reputable lawyer is the best first step you can make. However, despite the comfort of having a legal professional on your side, many individuals harbor misconceptions about divorce attorneys. To set things straight and move forward with your dissolution, consult the points below.

3 Common Misconceptions About Divorce Lawyers

1. I Just Need to Sign Some Paperwork

When you think of the divorce process, you might imagine one spouse serving the other with papers, which they both have to sign in order to end the marriage. However, while this is an aspect of divorce, it takes much more than a single appointment with a lawyer to dissolve your union. In Washington state, there is a minimum waiting period of 90 days for couples requesting a divorce. After this period, and if all the terms have worked out, the divorce may be finalized. Still, it usually takes a bit longer if negotiation, mediation, or a trial is involved.

2. You Only Need One if You’re Rich

If you don’t have many assets, you may assume that you and your spouse are fully capable of working out your agreement on your own. However, no matter how much you have in your bank account, a divorce lawyer is an instrumental part of the process. They can help you come to a fair settlement on whatever marital property you do have—such as a house or car. They will also fight for your interests regarding child custody, support, and alimony. Even if you and your spouse are in agreement on these terms, a lawyer will help you understand the impact of your decision so you are not faced with regret or anxiety moving forward.

3. If I Get a Lawyer, We’re Going to Trial

Just because you hire a divorce lawyer doesn’t mean you and your spouse will be arguing from opposite ends of the courtroom. In fact, many attorneys aim to help their clients finalize the divorce on their own. First, you may meet with each other and your respective lawyers to arrange the divorce agreement. If this doesn’t work, you may work with a third-party professional, called a mediator, who can bring peace to the proceedings. In most cases, going to court is a last resort.

If you’re preparing for a divorce and want to work with a lawyer you trust, reach out to John Rorem of Gig Harbor, WA, today. This trusted attorney has over 50 years of experience in the industry, and he will ensure you understand all your options before moving forward with the separation. In addition to divorce and family law, Attorney Rorem also works with personal injury and real estate cases, among others. For more information, visit the website, or call (253) 858-5358 to schedule a consultation.