When most people get married, they never think that one day they could face the possibility of divorce. It’s because of this that some people are blindsided by this incredibly life-changing event; and without proper legal knowledge, a person can quickly find themselves overwhelmed by it as well.

Because a divorce can be thrust upon you at the last minute, you may not have the time necessary to know all of your rights or even the laws you will have to contend with during the process. This could result in a divorce agreement that does not have your best interest in mind, which can lead to problems down the road.

But how do you know if you will need a lawyer during the process? By looking at the questions below, you may find your answer.

Are you considered a high-asset couple? With high-asset couples, there is a lot at stake including how much you will get during property division, who will be obligated to pay child support and maintenance, and who will get the family home and other properties.

Do you and your spouse own a business together? The business valuation process can take time because of its complexity, which can tack on time to a divorce as well. But if the business is worth a lot of money, skipping the valuation process may result in an unfavorable outcome.

Do you have children? If you have children and are going through a divorce you will have to have discussions about child custody, child support and the noncustodial parent’s visitation rights. Depending on the emotions each parent brings to the negotiation table, this process can become acrimonious and can lead to complicated disputes.

Did you sign a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement? For as helpful as these documents can be, they can also turn problematic, especially if they were drafted incorrectly or they contain items not allowed by state laws. This may lead to an annulment; or at the very least, the need for an attorney.

Although there are a number of other things that can complicate the divorce process, the list above should show you why some complex or high-asset divorces require the help of a good divorce lawyer. And if your situation contains any of these aspects, seeking the help of a skilled attorney may make all the difference in obtaining a fair divorce agreement.