Divorce can be the most stressful event in a person’s lifetime. Aside from dissolving a marital relationship, it often marks the end to a certain lifestyle, faith in love, a child’s innocence, or a legacy. The assistance of a qualified divorce attorney becomes compulsory to resolve several legal issues and avoid conflicts; this helps speed up the proceedings and allow a smooth transition, which is tolerable if not painless. If you and your spouse are not on friendly terms, working through the divorce without a lawyer is a huge mistake. Seek the following qualities in the lawyer you choose to represent you in the case:

1.     Competence

Make sure your lawyer possesses the license to practice law in your state and that family law is their niche. Their knowledge and expertise in the relevant field is integral to your success. Make enquiries about their previous cases or request a portfolio. Ask enough questions to perceive how much they know about local divorce laws.

2.     Eminence

Years of experience are of no use if accompanied by a suspicious reputation and low success rate. Look out for reviews of the lawyer’s previous clients and other people in law enforcement. You will be at a disadvantage if your lawyer does nothing more than provide the necessary documentation.

3.     Courtroom Experience

Not many divorce cases go to trial, but that does rule out the possibility. Many family lawyers are only inclined towards an out-of-court settlement, even if it goes against the interests of the client. An attorney with some courtroom experience is more capable of handling a complicated divorce; he/she shall strive to give you an edge in tricky matters, such as child custody, alimony, and child support.

4.     Honesty

Your divorce lawyer must be someone you can trust and confide in. In return, they must be honest about your options in the case. Sugar coating the situation or giving false hopes does no good to anyone. When you and your lawyer are frank or candid with each other from the beginning, a messy finale is averted.

5.     Compatibility

If you feel uncomfortable, coldshouldered, or neglected while speaking to a lawyer, walk away. The attorney you hire must be willing to understand you and emotionally invest in your case. When you and your lawyer are on the same page, the opposing party hardly stands a chance.

6.     Objectivity

If you and your spouse cannot agree on anything, the divorce can turn into a prolonged legal battle. To overcome such anomalies, you need an attorney who can maintain neutrality. If everyone joins in the fight, the proceedings might continue for months or years.

7.     Composure

Heated arguments, preposterous accusations, and aggressive behavior is expected when both parties have their differences. The best divorce lawyers know how to keep calm and act professionally under all circumstances.

8.     People Skills

A lawyer’s job description implicates a lot of talking, hence good communication skills are entailed. A divorce attorney must possess excellent judgment of character, power of persuasion, active listening skills, and the ability to keep a discussion flowing.

9.     Confidence

An assertive lawyer is a force to be reckoned with; he/she excels at negotiation and putting up convincing arguments. You need a divorce attorney who knows what they are doing and can become your pillar if your confidence waivers.

10. Problem Solving Skills

Division of assets and decisions involving childcare can raise a lot of concerns for both parties. Good divorce lawyers also play the role of an exceptional mediator. They can devise solutions that suit their client, without offending the other party. Lawyers with problem solving skills know how to lighten up the situation when things get out of control.

Litigation is not ideal in a divorce, yet frequently chosen by couples who are looking to terminate their marriage. If both partners in the relationship are on friendly terms, they can easily avoid a great deal of stress and conflict by opting for mediation, arbitration, collaborative divorce, or DIY divorce. Generally speaking, divorce litigation has its disadvantages but it is inevitable under certain circumstances. Litigation is definitely more complex, tiresome, time-consuming, and costly than out-of-court settlements. However, just because you chose litigation does not mean that your divorce case will automatically end up in the courtroom.

Majority of divorce cases go through litigation, but only 5% make it to a court trial. Texas Civil Litigation Attorney conveys that divorce litigation is the only solution available to resolve disputes among the divorcing parties. All cases are presented in family court; the assessment of the judge or jury dictates the final outcome. It is essential to note that courtroom litigations are risky because your fate lies in the hands of an entity that does not personally know you and your spouse. You forego the right to make decisions regarding all aspects of divorce, ranging from distribution of marital assets to child custody.

Divorce Litigation becomes a necessity in the following situations:

One Spouse Rejects the Motion

If you have a valid reason for seeking divorce and you have talked it over with your spouse, they ought to respect your wishes. Unfortunately, in some cases one party is adamant on defying the notion, irrespective of all efforts made by their partner to persuade them. In some scenarios, the husband or wife is not ready to accept the end of the marriage and move on. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you may request legal authorities to intervene.

The Couple does not agree on anything

Asset division, child custody, child support, and alimony are hot topics in divorce litigation. Both partners have very different ideas regarding financial management and parenting plans. If the couple cannot negotiate or reach a compromise on their own, mediation or arbitration may help. At times, one or both parties purposely disagree with the other to make a scene or cause annoyance. When the divorce turns into a competition or war, litigation is the only feasible method to put an end to the chaos.

One Party is being Unreasonable

The divorce becomes ugly when one party is trying to be civil, but the other is out of line. The troublemaker may refuse to listen to the attorney or a mediator. In some cases, one spouse attempts to block assets or alienate the children from the other parent.

Health Issues, Addiction, & Abuse

If one of the spouses is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, he/she could be a threat to their partner and children. The addiction may also lead to financial deficits and domestic violence. Domestic violence comes in many forms: physical, psychological, financial, and emotional. An aggressive spouse can be dangerously intimidating and controlling; they will manipulate or exploit the victim in several ways to keep them tied up in the relationship. Similarly, attaining divorce from a person who is mentally unstable or ill could be problematic, thus legal assistance is crucial.