In many areas, divorcing couples are allowed to write up their own agreement when it comes to support payment, child visitation and property division. Their agreement will then be reviewed and filed by the court. If a couple is splitting amicably, this can seem like the best thing to do, but it can be a costly mistake down the road. Consider why every couple needs to consult with a divorce lawyer during a breakup even if they feel they can agree on many issues between them.

1. Couples often assume how the law works

It's easy to assume that you know how divorce laws work, and write up an agreement accordingly. However, laws aren't always worded as couples think and they change over time and according to location. You may think that the wife will get a certain percent of the husband's paycheck or that the husband is only allowed so much visitation with the children, and write your divorce agreement according to these assumptions, but you may be very wrong about those things.

A divorce attorney can advise you of how laws are actually worded and then you can decide to change your agreement. You might also realise it's best to go to court and fight for your rights if your spouse won't agree to those changes despite how the laws are worded.

2. Couples forget to plan for the future

It's easy to write up a divorce decree according to your current situation, but what if things change? If one spouse pays support to the other, what if he or she loses a job or the other spouse gets a job or a pay raise? What if the other spouse remarries? A divorce attorney will be familiar with common scenarios that change over time and can ensure they're addressed in any part of your agreement that may also need to change in the future.

3. A divorce attorney can ensure you fight for your rights

In many divorces, couples seem amicable but in truth, one partner is simply caving in to get the process over with or because he or she just doesn't want to fight with the other. A divorce attorney can inform you of your rights and do the fighting for you. An attorney can draw up papers, argue your case before a judge and talk to any attorney your spouse might hire through the process. This can make it easier on you and keep you from having to fight your spouse for your rights during the divorce.

For more information, contact a law firm like Griffiths & Godecke.