Why You Need An Attorney… Even If Your Case Is Uncontested or Simple
In today’s world of seemingly complicated legal maneuvers, it hardly seems possible that a case could be considered simple.Or commonly called, uncontested, when both parties agree completely on all issues to be resolved and adjudicated by the court, but hardly simple. The very definition of “simple” states “simple refers to something that’s easy and uncomplicated, without too many steps.” speaks to a modern day court system which can hardly be found to be “simple”. While it is true some cases are very forthright with all necessary proceedings, paperwork, and desired outcomes neatly tied together; there are still numerous steps to gaining a final outcome. And, yes, an individual can handle a simple, uncontested case by himself or herself without seeking advice or assistance from an attorney, but with the many legal hoops to jump through it is usually difficult and unwise. Sometimes it can even be more costly than experienced legal help, as there will still be filing, service, and court fees plus lack of knowledge can lead to loss of potential, future income.
For example, in the State of Florida a couple can handle their own divorce (now termed dissolution of marriage) if there are no minor children resulting from the union, no real property or family business to divide, and both parties are in complete agreement regarding division of marital assets and debts. While this may seem easy at the time, with emotions running high, a number of important aspects may, without at least legal counsel from an experienced Family Law attorney, be overlooked. Does the couple, usually the wife, realize that in Florida if no alimony is awarded, and it could be just one dollar, in the final judgment, there is no way to reinstate alimony in the future, should circumstances change? Further, as emotions can often dictate a quick, “get it over with” attitude, does either party stop to look at what might happen in the future if one’s health or job situation drastically changes? An attorney with in-depth knowledge of Florida Family Law can advise as to how to proceed with caution and think ahead. This is especially true if one person is pressuring the other. An attorney can act as an advocate to help avoid a party being taken advantage of, both in financial terms and in the distribution of marital assets and debts.
As each state has their own set of guidelines for legal matters found in their statutes, it is important to understand what these guidelines are. An attorney will know. These guidelines are where the steps to be taken to resolve a particular type of case will be found. How and where to file, what paperwork is needed to file, the proper type of service to the opposing party, what documents need to be filled out, (usually this includes a detailed financial disclosure), what needs to be signed, notarized, witnessed, how to set a court date, if needed, and fees required from start to finish are included in the steps to negotiating even a simple, uncontested case. Failure to follow all required steps can result in a case being stalled or denied until it is done right. More frustration and further costs are then involved.
So it is definitely wise to seek the advice and help of an experienced attorney in your area of concern, both before and during the adjudicating or your case.And, should you need an experienced and caring attorney in the area of Florida Family Law which includes dissolution of marriage, child support, arrears and retroactive child support, child custody or parental timesharing, relocation, alimony, equitable distributions of marital and non marital assets, pre and post marital agreements, modifications, and bankruptcy and you reside in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, or Hillsborough county, Attorney Grant Gisondo is available to assist and represent you. He offers a free, initial, in-office consultation in his office in West Palm Beach where he will personally meet with you to answer questions and share how he can help. Call (561) 530-4568 to make an appointment. Attorney Gisondo can also litigate cases in Washington DC and New York.