The Complexities of Lawyering

Lawyers have to get a bachelor’s degree before attending law school. Law school is 3 years of sheer hell to learn how to think and write like a lawyer, but it does not teach you how to practice law. Lawyers then spend the next several years learning how to be a lawyer. Their education does not stop there, however, and all lawyers and take classes throughout their careers in order to stay current on the ever-evolving body of laws. If there were simple cases and easy answers, they would not need as much education as a doctor. Because of this extensive education, lawyers have a deep understanding of how the law works and can provide sound advice – which means that they have the knowledge the law is exceedingly complex.

For example, let’s say you are filing for divorce and want to know which assets are yours and which belong to your spouse. This question may seem straightforward at first glance, but the answer will depend on many factors—including whether any assets were acquired prior to marriage, or if there were any gifts or inheritances during the marriage, if any of the assets acquired before marriage have been given to the marital estate and so on. It is not uncommon for divorcing spouses to find themselves in complex legal situations where multiple factors must be taken into consideration before a definitive answer can be provided by an attorney. If you want an overview of the complexities, check here and here. If you choose to read the case, I was the attorney on appeal. And trust me, this is just one case is an example of hundreds with similar questions and issues.

Be Wary Of Those Who Promise Simplicity

When it comes to divorce proceedings or other legal matters, keep an eye out for anyone who promises simplicity or easy answers. While hiring a lawyer, cheap isn’t always better when it comes to finding an attorney who can effectively represent your interests in court or in negotiations with your soon-to-be ex-spouse.

Be Wary of Telling a Lawyer Your Case is Simple or Easy

When you’re in the middle of a divorce, there’s one thing that almost everyone wants—simplicity. Whether it’s an uncontested split or a highly contested case, you want your legal representation to make things as straightforward as possible. Unfortunately, when it comes to family law, simplicity is rarely attainable and is really nothing more than a myth. It can be tempting to think that some cases are more straightforward than others and therefore require less effort on the part of your attorney and to tell a lawyer it will be easiest thing to work on. Saying as much makes an attorney suspicious because even if both parties agree on everything, there are still important documents that require a deep knowledge of the law that must be drafted and filed before any final agreements can be made official.

If you are facing divorce, remember that there is no such thing as a “simple case”. Your life has not been simple and how you for to where you are was not either. Questions rarely have simple answers or easy solutions; every situation is different and requires careful consideration from an experienced lawyer who understands both the law as well as any nuances that could affect your particular situation.

That all said, I really do try to make the process easy for you with my background and knowledge. I do 90% of the work to make it as straightforward as possible for you so that you can move on. If you and your soon-to-be-ex have reached agreements, reach out to me. I can be found at 618-656-9620 or through my website.