If you and your spouse are considering a divorce, questions will likely arise that you can’t answer. Especially if neither of you has ever been through a divorce, it may seem as if each day of the process brings more insecurity and doubt. Going through a divorce can be an emotional and traumatic event. And there simply may be things that come up during the divorce that you and your spouse don’t know how to handle. It may help to hire a professional to guide you through the process.

1. A Divorce Attorney Knows Your State Laws

Each state has created its own laws to govern the act of divorce. So if, for example, you’re in Tennessee, you can get a good divorce attorney in Knoxville to walk you through that state’s divorce statutes. The laws that govern property division, child custody, and spousal alimony all vary from state to state.

For this reason, it’s important to enlist help from a local attorney that is licensed to practice in the state where you live and is familiar with its laws.

2. A Divorce Attorney Can Help With Important Decisions

While laws are in place to govern divorce, there are still situations that arise where the individual parties can negotiate a settlement. For this reason, it can be important to have an expert at your side to ensure that your best interests are taken into account. For example, parents must follow a state’s visitation guidelines, but there is room in each situation for the parties to customize the guidelines to fit their desires. While compromise between parents on issues regarding children is always admirable, you want to make sure that you aren’t being coerced into an agreement that is to your disadvantage. A legal expert can counsel you on decision-making and look out for your best interests.

Similarly, the division of marital property can be an area where expert advice is key. Again, legal precedents govern the overall process. But deciding who gets what often involves negotiation and compromise. An expert will be familiar with these situations and can offer advice to help you negotiate effectively and efficiently.

3. A Divorce Attorney Helps After the Divorce

If you’re getting divorced and minor children are involved, you may need legal advice even after the divorce is finalized. For this reason, it can be helpful to enlist legal help through the divorce process so that you have an expert that is familiar with your case after the fact. Should the other party not follow through with the terms of the divorce agreement, you have a legal representative ready and up-to-speed to assist you with the necessary steps to demand compliance.

Going through a divorce can be scary and confusing. Despite the existence of laws to govern the process, there are gray areas where the parties may negotiate and make individual decisions. For these times, and for questions after the fact, it can be very helpful to have an attorney accompany you through this difficult process.