Let’s be honest, no one walks into a divorce saying, “I’ve got this all figured out.” Even when both spouses are on decent terms, it’s still a huge life change. You’re dividing up a life you built together.
The one question we keep hearing is: Do I need a lawyer, or can we just hire a mediator and get this over with?
And it honestly depends on everything that surrounds the particularities of a couple.
What’s the Real Cost (and Risk) of Mediation?
At first glance, mediation feels like a no-brainer. You sit down with a neutral party, talk through who gets what, sign the papers, and move on. If you and your spouse agree on nearly everything, it can absolutely be a smoother road.
But here’s what folks don’t always realize: mediators aren’t there to protect you. They can’t offer legal advice. Not even a little. Their role is to keep the peace, not to tell you if your agreement holds up in court or protects your future.
We’ve worked with plenty of clients who started in mediation, only to circle back when things got messy. Retirement accounts. Custody questions. A last-minute shift in finances. These issues come up more than people expect, and by then, you’re spending more time and money cleaning up a deal that didn’t hold water.
Why a Lawyer Might Actually Save You Time and Money
If you’re looking for an affordable lawyer for uncontested divorce, it doesn’t mean you’re heading for a fight. Sometimes it just means you want clarity. A second set of eyes. Someone who knows where things can go sideways and how to keep them on track.
At the Law Offices of Mark D. Frederick, LLC, we’ve handled enough of these cases in Shreveport to know where trouble usually starts. One overlooked sentence in a divorce agreement can throw your whole future off balance.
What Works Best for Your Situation?
Everyone’s divorce looks different on paper. But a few things will help you decide what makes sense:
- How much do you agree on? If you’ve already nailed down custody, finances, and support, mediation might work. But even small disagreements can grow legs without legal guardrails.
- Do you need legal advice? Mediators stay neutral. That’s the point. If you want someone who’s truly in your corner, a lawyer is going to be the better fit.
- Are your finances simple or tangled? If there’s real estate, a joint business, or retirement funds involved, the stakes are higher. You’ll want someone who can help you structure things correctly.
Truth is, we’ve worked with couples who thought things were simple, until someone pulled out a 401(k) statement or started talking about the house. That’s when it helps to have a legal professional step in and make sure everything’s being divided the right way.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Uncontested doesn’t mean uncomplicated. It just means you and your spouse are willing to work together, and that gives you options. Whether that’s mediation or working with a lawyer, the important thing is to make informed decisions that hold up, both legally and personally.
If you’re unsure about where to start or just want to talk through the details, we’re here. Let’s make sure the next chapter of your life begins with confidence and without chaos.
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