Do-It-Yourself Divorce: 5 Reasons You Should Think Twice
Nowadays, more and more individuals are choosing to divorce without the assistance of a lawyer. Figuring out the divorce process on your own and without the assistance of a lawyer can seem tempting—especially if you’re trying to spend as little money as possible.
Here are just some reasons you should think twice before deciding to go with a DIY divorce:
- The laws can be complex.
There are numerous state laws in place that detail who can file for divorce, how to determine child custody and support, and how to divide property. Individuals who are not familiar with the law or who do not understand it could make a serious mistake and complicate matters even further. A divorce attorney is knowledgeable with what can and cannot be done under the law. He or she can help you arrive at acceptable solutions, as well as present options that you may not know even existed.
- You could miss out on what is rightfully yours.
An experienced divorce attorney can help you efficiently and effectively protect your rights to your property, your children, and your support payments. If you aren’t aware of your rights, you might just miss out on assets that are legally yours. If you have children, you may also find yourself fighting an uphill battle to get visitation rights if custody is not structured correctly.
- Prevention is easier than making modifications.
It is much easier to prevent any issues from arising by properly developing the divorce agreement as opposed to having to make post-divorce modifications. While it is possible to amend the final agreement, it will require far more effort and resources. A competent attorney can ensure that all aspects of the divorce are covered to mitigate further litigation.
- There will be no special treatment.
It’s important to know that you will not be given any special treatment for choosing to handle your divorce case on your own. This means that you will be subject to the same procedures and rules as legal representatives, and are expected to know how to proceed.
- You may let emotions get the better of you.
A divorce is an emotionally taxing process. While it is perfectly normal to feel hurt, angry, and to experience all sorts of other negative emotions, your feelings can certainly affect how you view and handle your divorce case. This may be an issue when it comes to negotiating settlement agreements objectively. A divorce attorney can offer impartial advice and help you see whenyour demands or requests are unreasonable.
If you are not yet decided on whether to take the DIY route for your divorce, keep in mind that the choices you make all throughout the process can significantly affect the rest of your life. Though you may feel that no one is more invested in your case than you are, the reality is that handling your divorce on your own may unfavorably affect the overall outcome. As such, it’s important to think long and hard before making such a life-changing decision.
