Divorce is a stressful and emotional process. It can also be costly, not just in terms of money, but also emotionally. When you're going through the divorce process, it's important to know your rights and responsibilities so that you don't get taken advantage of or lose out on something you deserve. Here are four reasons why hiring an experienced divorce attorney early on in the process is worth it.

1. A Lawyer Can Help You Learn Your Rights and Protect Them

Divorce laws vary from state to state. It's important to hire a lawyer knowledgeable about your area of the law and can help you navigate legal documents, protect your rights, and fight for what is fair. Your attorney will know how much alimony or child support you should receive and can advise you on other matters such as spousal support and child custody.

2. Lawyers Can Help Keep the Process Moving

Divorce court can be stressful, time consuming, and unpredictable. A lawyer can help get the process over more quickly by settling all disagreements outside the courtroom, pushing the case along in court, and preventing unnecessary delays caused by your spouse. Your divorce attorney can also manage negotiations between you and your spouse to ensure you are receiving the full amount of alimony or child support that you deserve.

3. Your Lawyer Will File All Necessary Paperwork and Forms

It can be very confusing to try filing your own paperwork for a divorce case. An attorney will have the knowledge needed to file all required forms with the court so that you can get the process started. Some forms are standard, but others depend on your specific circumstances and vary from state to state.

4. A Lawyer Can Protect Your Interests During Any Possibility of Mediation

One of the most common ways to settle divorce cases is through mediation. While this can be advantageous because it allows the couple to create an agreement they both agree on, many mediations end up with one spouse receiving less than they would have if their attorney were involved. To protect you during any mediation, your lawyer will be present to advocate for your needs. They can then make sure that your interests are represented and awarded the full amount of what you deserve.

Unfortunately, it is estimated that almost half of all marriages end in divorce, and the chance of divorce rises by 33% when a husband does not work full-time, and his wife is the main breadwinner, according to the American Sociological Association. This is why it is so important for both partners to be prepared, understand their rights, and know what's coming next. Hiring a divorce attorney can help make the process easier to navigate.