What are divorce lawyers? Should you become one? Do you need one? A divorce lawyer, who must hold a J.D. degree (Juris Doctorate degree, which takes 7 years to obtain), has the responsibility of representing one spouse (not both) in a marriage dissolution proceeding (divorce) before a civil court. He must also pass the LSAT and BAR exam (in the United States) to pursue his career.  In the United Kingdom, he can take examinations to qualify as either a Barrister or a Solicitor by undertaking the BPTC (Bar Practice Training Course) or the LPC (Legal Practice Course) respectively. The JD degree consists of English, communications, jurisprudence, civil procedure, argument and philosophy.

Divorce lawyers can represent each couple within divorce proceedings in civil, juvenile or probate courts, and assist the couple with matters such as child custody, alimony, division of their jointly held property and estate(s), prenuptial and custodial matters. They also do investigative work to best serve their clients, filing and/or writing motions, as well as agreements and/or contracts. They want to protect their clients against a possibly hostile spouse, in matters of finance, etc.

Duties of a Divorce Lawyer

The duties of divorce lawyers include the need to sometimes explain to you the way the divorce laws of your state or country apply to your particular situation (your spouse will have it explained as well by a different divorce lawyer), and advising you of your rights and to what you are entitled under those laws. Laws will vary from one state to another, and from one country to another. Why should you hire a divorce lawyer, if you’re thinking of hiring one? Is he worth what you pay him? Divorce lawyers are there to guide you across the unfamiliar terrain that leads to divorce, since you might be distracted by your difficult emotional state. He also represents your best interests during negotiations with your spouse’s attorney, making sure you get what you deserve. Divorce lawyers have done their jobs when they successfully negotiate divorce settlements for couples such as you and your spouse as quickly as possible. Nobody likes a long drawn our divorce proceeding.

Here are some more major aspects of divorce lawyers’ jobs:

• Discovery Process – divorce lawyers thoroughly explore major details of your two lives, including finances, insurance, business, and real estate.
• Settlement or Trial – divorce lawyers write settlements for you to examine.
• Miscellaneous – divorce lawyers handle matters outside of court as well, including child custody.

Divorce lawyers have a tough job and a lot of skill as they help you through the toughest time of your life. They might be expensive, but they’re worth it and  they certainly have their advantages.