If you’re a confident individual facing a divorce, you may wonder, “Do I need a lawyer for a divorce?” You may be able to navigate through a straightforward divorce without the aid of an attorney, but you must carefully consider this path before you decide to take it. If you are trying to determine whether a DIY Divorce is right for you, consider some elements such as the legal process and the ability to objectively negotiate a settlement that will leave you whole in the end.
Financial Considerations
Choosing a do-it-yourself divorce can save you money on attorney fees. This is especially true if you and your spouse have fully disclosed all of your assets and are already in agreement on how to split your finances. However, there are other financial considerations you must take into account, such as taxes. After your divorce is finalized, your assets may experience consequences that you weren’t expecting. Working with an attorney can help you avoid financial pitfalls. If you are concerned about the cost of a divorce attorney, it’s important to realize that there are ways to save on attorney fees.
The Relationship Between You and Your Spouse
Going through a divorce without a lawyer is a reasonable idea if you and your spouse are handling the impending divorce amicably. A contentious relationship, however, is often better handled with the help of a professional who will not be affected by emotion and can stay objective during the meetings to help protect your interests. If you and your spouse can’t even stand to be in the same room together, it will be difficult to carefully work through the issues in your divorce without assistance.
Child Timesharing & Child Support Issues
Child timesharing and support issues can be difficult to work out on your own. You and your spouse will have to juggle a number of important topics, including visitations and where the children will primarily live. In fact, there are four different types of child custody. If you and your spouse have children and are having difficulty agreeing on these issues, hiring a divorce attorney may be in the best interests of everyone involved. Please do your best to not involve the children. They didn’t ask for any of this.
Your Temperament
Divorce is not an unemotional process; there may be times when you’re feeling angry and can’t logically deal with any number of issues related to the process. A divorce lawyer is not emotionally connected to your divorce. They can guide you through the toughest parts of the process when you may be feeling frustrated and helpless. As a note of encouragement, you will get through this. Read the emotional states of a divorce.
Your Schedule
A DIY divorce will let you work through the process at your own pace; however, you will need to spend considerable time reading forms and filling them out. Many divorce-related forms are full of legal terminology that can be difficult for the average individual to understand. You may find yourself spending nights reading a legal dictionary just to understand the forms. If you are concerned about the divorce taking up too much of your time, hiring a professional may be in your best interests.
For couples facing the divorce process, doing it alone without the aid of a divorce lawyer may seem appealing. However, this is not a decision that should be made solely on the basis of saving money. Eric Cheshire, Esq. has been helping individuals navigate the turbulence of divorce for more than 25 years. Not only will his experience work for you to protect your interests, but his knowledge will help save you money. Contact Cheshire Family Law today at (561) 677-8090 for a consultation.