How Would an Attorney Benefit Your Divorce?

Divorce is one of the most stressful and emotional events that many people will ever experience. That makes it hard to be objective and work toward a peaceful resolution. Some people prefer to tackle their Tennessee divorce on their own, but this is not necessarily recommended — especially if it is a contested divorce. You need a Manchester divorce attorney who is on your side and is making sure your rights are protected throughout the process.

At Burch, Morrison, & Stewart, we have over 20 years of experience helping Middle Tennessee residents through this challenging time. Here is a look at some of the benefits of hiring an attorney for your pending divorce.

Tennessee is an At-Fault Divorce State

Tennessee allows you to file for divorce based on the premise of fault. This means if one spouse did something wrong, it gives the other spouse the right to file for divorce in the state. Some grounds for divorce include:

• Adultery
• Felony conviction
• Physical cruelty
• Desertion
• Alcoholism
• Fraud
• Drug addiction

You need an attorney who can help gather evidence and prove that your soon-to-be ex did in fact commit whatever marital fault you have alleged in your divorce petition.

Your Attorney Likely Knows the Court Staff

Having someone on your side who knows not only the legal processes, but also the people handling your case is important. If you retain a local attorney who specializes in Manchester family law, he or she likely has cases in front of the same judge regularly. This is beneficial because your attorney has knowledge of how the judge historically rules. Also, knowing the court staff can go a long way in making sure all documents are filed and handled properly. It is one less thing for you to stress about because you will have confidence that documents are filed on time.

Intimate Knowledge of Tennessee Family Law Statutes

When you attempt to handle your divorce without an attorney, you lack any legal knowledge or formal training on how the laws and court procedures work. One reason you hire an attorney for any type of case is because you want the benefit of his or her legal knowledge and experience. Even a simple divorce can turn into a complex dispute, so do not underestimate the importance of having a skilled lawyer on your side.

Protect Your Rights

Are you hoping for spousal support or are there children for whom you will be fighting for custody? What about a complex asset portfolio? These are areas where people without an attorney can end up on the losing end. Tennessee is an equitable distribution state when it comes to property settlement and splitting assets. This means that if you cannot reach an agreement, the court will divide your assets in a manner it feels is fair to both sides. However, it does not mean assets are just split 50/50 down the middle.

This is where some spouses really lose out by not having an attorney. Your attorney can help you uncover whether your spouse is hiding assets or is trying to claim that something is separate property that should be community property.

If you need assistance with your Tennessee divorce, contact Burch, Morrison, & Stewart today at (931) 954-1066 to schedule an initial consultation.