When Do I Need a Lawyer If I Have a Family Law Matter?

The Maine District Court is set up so that parties can represent themselves in most family law matters if they so desire. Many parties are able to successfully represent themselves in court. However, if you fall into one of the following categories, you should consider hiring a lawyer or at least consulting with one:

• you wish to become divorced, end an unmarried relationship with the person who is a parent of one of your children, or make a legal change in a familial relationship, and do not know how to go about doing so;
• a spouse or former partner has initiated a family law action against you, and you do not know how or when to respond;
• you would like help in presenting what you know to be true, and what you would like to see happen, to the other party and to the court;
• the other party has more power than you and intends to use it to gain an unfair advantage over you;
• you believe the other party is being or is capable of being dishonest, abusive, or manipulative in court and you are worried that what you know to be true won’t be heard in court;
• the other party wants something very different from what you want and you are afraid that your wishes will not be taken seriously; or
• you believe that you and your spouse will not be able to agree on a fair spousal support and an equitable division of marital property.

For assistance with a family law matter, please contact Molly J. Watson.