TMZ has learned Elin Nordegren hired a lawyer to help her with her divorce from Tiger Woods less than a month and a half after Tiger's infamous car accident.



TMZ broke the story Elin hired attorney Walter H. White, Jr., who practices in London.  In an email to his staff dated January 12, 2010, White wrote, "I am writing to advise you that we have been asked by Ms. Nordegren to assist her in better understanding her legal circumstances."  White goes on:  "The firm has assigned a dedicated team to work closely and confidentially with Elin and Josefin in order to fulfill this mandate."

As we first reported, lawyers for both sides are trying to agree on a property settlement and custody agreement before filing divorce papers.