subject: Why You Need A Professional Attorney To Prepare Florida Divorce Papers [print this page] Unfortunately, many people who file for divorce in Florida do so without being represented by a lawyer. The average person just cant afford an attorney. Most attorneys bill by the hour, and by the time theyre done handling the case, the client could end up owing several thousands of dollars.
With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that a growing number of people are going online to buy Florida divorce papers and to get assistance from non-lawyers to prepare the paperwork and file for divorce. Its far cheaper than hiring a billable hour attorney.
But there is a downside to taking this route. The simple truth is that most websites offering document preparation for Florida divorce papers arent backed by real attorneys. The people offering these services are typically called divorce paralegals. They arent real lawyers. Theyre simply legal assistants.
These divorce paralegals tell clients that filing for divorce is going to be fast and easy. Thats usually not the case.
It all begins with the filing of the Florida divorce papers. Since divorce paralegals arent experienced lawyers and arent always even located in Florida, they often end up making errors on the paperwork or not filing all required papers. In Florida, the clerk needs you to file a civil cover sheet, related cases statement, petition for dissolution of marriage, and other documents depending on local laws. These rules may vary by county or city, and divorce paralegals typically arent familiar with them.
As a result, the clerk can reject the case because the paperwork was filed improperly. Talk about a headache!
But even if the case does get filed, youre not done. To get the court moving, you have to be proactive in filing papers, setting hearings, and so on. Its a very involved process, and its too much of a hassle to handle if youre only being represented by divorce paralegals.
Now, you might be saying to yourself, I just cant afford to hire an attorney. What other options do I have?
Before you assume you cant afford an attorney, you should know that not all of them bill by the hour. There are some lawyers who offer flat fee services for divorce cases.
Theyre able to offer low flat fees because they take advantage of a part of the law known as discreet task representation. With client consent, this allows the lawyer to make limited appearances in court, helping streamline the case and bring down your costs. These flat rate attorney fees can be found for as little as $399 to $499 online.
When you use these flat fee services, first make sure that theyre truly backed by a lawyer or law firm. Then, make certain that theyll help with preparing and filing Florida divorce papers and representing you in court as needed.
Remember, document preparation services are almost never a good idea, and divorce paralegals dont offer legitimate representation. Find a real attorney to help with preparing and filing your Florida divorce papers.
