subject: Are Diy Divorces Ever A Good Idea? [print this page] Divorce is widely considered to be not just an emotionally-devastating experience but also an experience that can cause financial ruin. Many people are concerned with how expensive a divorce is going to be and, in an effort to save money, some may consider a DIY divorce. A DIY divorce involves representing yourself during divorce proceedings instead of paying a lawyer. While a DIY divorce can work under certain circumstances in the simplest of cases, it is usually a bad idea to be your own legal representative in the emotionally and financially complex process of dissolving your marriage.
When is a DIY Divorce a Good Choice?
A DIY divorce may be an OK option in a very limited number of cases. For example, people with no children, limited assets and a short marriage may be able to get a divorce on their own without problems. However, it is very important in such cases to ensure that all forms are completed and submitted properly in order to avoid delays and to ensure that the divorce goes through without problems.
There are many places where DIY Florida divorce forms can be obtained, but be careful to find these forms from an actual attorneys website or get them from a Florida divorce lawyer. If you obtain forms from websites run by paralegals or others who have no legal expertise, you may find yourself with forms that are outdated, incomplete or otherwise unusable.
If you do opt for a DIY divorce, you will also need to make sure that you consider any and all possible issues that could arise with custody, support and assets and that you include relevant details in your divorce agreement. For example, many people forget to consider retirement assets when they divorce or they fail to think about health insurance after the marriage has ended. Dont make these mistakes- it is up to you to take care of yourself and watch out for your own legal interests if you choose a DIY divorce.
Cost-Effective Alternatives
Although a DIY divorce may be OK in very simple divorce cases, it is almost always a good idea to have a Florida divorce lawyer- even if you believe your case is a simple one to resolve. A Florida divorce lawyer knows the nuances of the law and can bring up issues that you might not be aware of. You can also better understand what the law entitles you to with the help of a Florida divorce lawyer so you do not find yourself giving up legal rights unknowingly. Finally, a Florida divorce lawyer can help keep the negotiation of a divorce settlement on track so you do not end up having to litigate a divorce because you or your spouse got angry or emotional and were unwilling to come to a compromise.
Hiring a Florida divorce lawyer does not have to be expensive, and the investment is almost always worth it. If you are concerned about your budget or about the cost of hiring a Florida divorce lawyer, think about finding an attorney who offers flat-fee legal services in order to keep the cost within reach.
