Despite Hidden Costs, It’s Cheaper to Hire a Lawyer

 Posted on June 28, 2012 in Divorce

According to the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, the U.S. divorce rate has nearly doubled since 1960, and, according to the Wall Street Journal's Smart Money magazine, "the number of divorce lawyers has grown apace." Esepcially during the recession, advertisements for ‘quick and easy' divorce (boasting prices as low as $299 to file) popped up all across the country—yet, according to Smart Money, sometimes this price is just a eye-catcher to get you in the door. While it's not a scam, these low rates apply for couples that have already decided on the terms of their settlement, which is rare for divorcing couples.

Many of these lawyers who advertise with paper fliers on telephone poles have not faced the test of time, and are more likely to end up embroiled in scandal. It's always advisable to seek legal counsel if going through a divorce, and finding a reputable attorney is an important part of the process. According to the American Bar Association, lawsuits against family law attorneys more than doubled between 1995 and 2007. Always check with the state bar association before hiring a divorce lawyer.

Having said that, divorce proceedings are near to impossible to go through without the help of a qualified, honest, and dedicated professional. You can fill out the forms for Illinois on your own, but the complicated lingo can be difficult. Most likely, you'll end up settling for more money than you would have spent hiring a professional to begin with. As long as you do your homework—and if possible attempt to work out settlement issues with your ex before hiring an attorney—using an experienced Illinois divorce lawyer is the best way to go. If you or someone you know is going through a divorce, contact the law offices of Kathryn Harry today.

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