Divorce, lawyers, legal fees—they go together, right? In the age of the Internet, state-specific legal information is available and courts often make online forms available for those who choose to self-represent. But is it a good idea?
In 28 years of practice, I can say the quick answer is almost certainly not. Even couples who work through divorce issues amicably need an attorney to prepare or at least review their agreements for appropriate form, legality, and advisability. While divorce seems straightforward, crucial decisions impact your life far into the future.
The top five reasons you need a good attorney during divorce include:
- The time to display your knowledge of the law is not your own divorce. In the end, you will almost certainly feel the impact of ill-advised financial, custodial, tax, or other decisions due to lack of knowledge—despite your best efforts. The courts are required to hold self represented persons to the same standards as attorneys.
- Just because you represent yourself does not mean your spouse will.
- Lack of knowledge of courtroom procedure or understanding of needed forms or process will delay your divorce.
- In a contested divorce, a lay person will have difficulty with motion practice and discovery requests requiring precise interpretation and production of documents.
- Divorce is about dissolution of your relationship, household, parenting, and finances. Do not go it alone.
An old adage advises a man who represents himself has a fool for a client. If getting divorced, get good legal advice.
As a Buffalo divorce lawyer for 28 years, I have devoted myself to solving the problems that affect families throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area and Western New York. As a family law attorney, I make it my goal to create a partnership of trust with my clients. People put their trust in me to handle cases that can potentially have a long-lasting impact on not only their lives, but the lives of their family as well.
Alexandra M. Rockwood is a Senior Associate Attorney with the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis & Associates and has been with the firm since early 2020. She primarily practices in the areas of matrimonial and family law, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Alexandra is a practicing matrimonial and family law attorney as…
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5.0/5.0Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...
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5.0/5.0
Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...
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5.0/5.0
Randy Margulis is knowledgable of Domestic Law, dedicated, responsive, personable, aggressive and effective. I came to him on a friend's recommendation as well as Randy's reputation, and during the initial consultation I liked his approach and track ...
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5.0/5.0
Found Mr. Margulis to be a very organized and professional individual to work with. He is well-respected by his peers and is spoken of highly, I believe this helped with my divorce and made things go smoothly. I would highly recommend his services ...
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5.0/5.0
Randy is very firm and effective in court while empathetic to his clients. I am a domestic violence victim, and Randy made me feel safe and protected. My financial award was more than I envisioned it to be when I started my divorce. I can't thank ...
