Here it is after much fanfare- the number 1 question I am asked by separating or divorcing spouses, “Do I really need a lawyer? My spouse says that we should just work it out ourselves and save on lawyer’s fees.”
What this really means is that your spouse has probably already received legal advice and likely been advised that you have significant legal rights. All the more compelling reason to attempt to convince you that you should just settle for what is being offered. After all when was the last time that your spouse was genuinely motivated by your best interests?
In fact to prove that the only interests being considered are those of the spouse trying to talk you of getting good legal advice is the fact in over twenty years of reviewing such agreements, I have yet to find one which was actually fair!! Sadly, for many who believed their spouse and simply signed an Agreement, the damage is extremely difficult to undo.
So just what should your reaction be if your spouse makes such a statement? I suggest telling your spouse that you are capable and competent enough handle your own affairs, including finding out about your legal rights and protecting them.
Now that you’ve heard that taking legal advice from your ex is not such a good idea what next?
Arrange a consultation with an experienced family lawyer such as myself. Bring copies of whatever documents you can in order to calculate both child and spousal support.
The best advice of all, join my kitchentabledivorce.ca client support group for both men and women, which meets every two weeks. If you do you will eventually learn to FEAR NO DIVORCE-especially your own!
