When filing a divorce petition, there are two very different legal professionals that are available to help. These two professionals are a divorce lawyer and a divorce paralegal. While the services that each of these professionals have to offer can be extremely beneficial, not everyone will benefit equally from each of these options. This is because while both lawyers and paralegals are able to assist with divorce cases, the services that each professional offers will be quite different. Taking the time to review the differences between these services can help you to determine which type of legal professional is right for your divorce case.

Divorce Paralegals

Divorce paralegals have basic legal training that allows them to assist with no-fault or simplified divorce cases. However, since a paralegal is not licensed to practice law, the ways in which they are able to help will be quite limited. In most cases, a paralegal will simply be able to help you:

• complete or respond to a divorce petition
• draft a divorce settlement between you and your spouse
• serve your spouse with divorce papers
• determine where your divorce petition needs to be filed

Divorce Lawyers

Unlike paralegals, divorce lawyers are qualified to assist with both uncontested and contested divorce cases. This is due to the fact that divorce lawyers are licensed to practice law and can therefore represent you in court if necessary.

Divorce lawyers are able to offer you all of the same services that a paralegal offers, as well as many additional services. These additional services include:

• mediation services to help establish a divorce settlement
• filing court documents on your behalf
• assistance with child custody and support petitions
• representing you in court and presenting evidence if your case goes to trial

In Conclusion

While it is possible to file for divorce without the assistance of a divorce lawyer or paralegal, choosing to seek out the services of one of these professionals can make this complex legal process much easier to manage. When determining which of these professionals is best suited to your needs, you will need to take the time to consider what specific services you are likely to require. For instance, if your case is likely to require multiple court appearance, hiring a divorce lawyer will be in your best interest. However, if you and your spouse are able to agree on all aspects of your divorce, the services of a divorce paralegal will likely be sufficient.

Visit Reneer & Associates for more information.