Do It Yourself Divorce

In many states, it is possible for couples to represent themselves in a divorce. You might be wondering whether or not a DIY divorce is right for you. After all, you might save time and money. However, if one mistake is made, you could find yourself in serious trouble and have to repeat the entire process again.

Is a DIY Divorce Right for Me?

DIY divorce may only be appropriate when the divorce is uncontested. In other words, both parties agree on how their assets will be divided, who will get custody of the children, and whether any income or alimony will be divided or paid. In general, the longer the marriage, the more assets there will be. Furthermore, there is an increased chance of there being a greater disparity in income and disagreements on parenting issues. When these circumstances apply, the chances of being able to go through a DIY divorce are slim.

By taking things into your own hands, you risk giving up rights that you might not know about or think are important, such as alimony. A divorce lawyer has the knowledge and training to envision practically every way that an agreement can go wrong. When they see a potential issue, solutions can be devised so the problem can be stopped before it becomes something serious.

If your spouse has a history of domestic violence or controlling behavior, or there are other marital problems, you may struggle to work through your divorce in an uncontested manner. Should you feel bullied or forced into something against your wishes, it is prudent to speak with a divorce lawyer, like a divorce lawyer.

Hold an Interview with the Firm You Are Interested In

The point in which you begin to look for a divorce lawyer to hire is important. In fact, this is one of the most important parts of the process because who you choose to represent you can affect the outcome. Take time to ask any questions you believe are necessary. You should also make sure you understand how the lawyer practices, and ensure their objectives align with your own. Listen to any red flags you may see. For example, if a lawyer is promising you that you will get custody of your children or guarantees you the house, you might rethink things, as a reputable lawyer will not make promises he or she cannot ensure will come true. Furthermore, a lawyer who demonstrates a lack of concern for your case or personal privacy might not be an advocate for you.

Questions to Ask Your Divorce Lawyer During Your Consultation

Here are a few important questions you may want to ask during your consultation:

What is the primary focus at your practice?
How many years of experience do you have with family law?
What might your strategy be?
How long will it take you to return my calls?
Who will be handling my case?
What is your pricing structure?
Should I expect additional costs, such as for an accountant, private investigators, etc?
How long do you think my case will take?
Can I negotiate with my spouse directly?

If you are ready to schedule a consultation with a leading divorce lawyer, begin doing consultations with a few different family lawyers today.