Do I really need an attorney?

Many times, but especially in times of financial crisis, people question whether they need a lawyer to help them get legally separated or divorced. Quite honestly, whether you need an attorney to represent you is going to be determined by the facts of your particular circumstance. Very generally speaking, if you don't have many assets, you don't have children and you are going to support yourself and your spouse is going to support him/herself, then you may not need an attorney. What I would suggest however, in all circumstances, is that you at least speak to an attorney in confidence about your situation. Most attorneys, myself included, do not charge to speak with you for an initial consultation. When you speak with an attorney about your situation, 3 different things can happen- all of them will leave you with peace of mind at the end: 1) the attorney can confirm that you can do this on your own using the forms provided by the Court; 2) the attorney may suggest that s/he prepare the forms for you for a set price and then you can file them and appear in court "pro se" meaning that you will represent yourself; or 3) the attorney may describe that for reasons x, y and z, it's in your best interest to have the attorney represent you in court for all proceedings.

Whatever you do, remember that the more information you have, the better prepared you will be for your divorce, and for your future. I always say is it better to talk with an attorney before you file for divorce rather than having to consult with an attorney after to fix a mistake.

Take care,

Allison

Disclaimer: The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. Disregard this solicitation if you have already engaged a lawyer in connection with legal matters referred to in this solicitation. You may wish to consult your lawyer or another lawyer instead of me. The exact nature of your legal situation will depend on many facts not known to me at this time. You should understand that the advice and information in this solicitation is general and that your own situation may vary. This statement is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Missouri.