subject: Divorce Without A Lawyer: Is It A Wise Choice? [print this page] While the do-it-yourself divorce is less costly and probably the optimal way to get divorced, it's not for everyone. There are a number of services online that provide divorce paperwork based on the details of your divorce. However, the two spouses must be in agreement on all the issues and fill out the paperwork properly. This includes child custody (if applicable), division of assets, property, and so on. The paperwork also must be submitted to the right places, and a number of other steps must be completed as well before the courts approve the divorce.
Completing a divorce can require a significant investment in time. You will have to familiarize yourself with the divorce law in your area so you no important details are left out. A divorce lawyer can help serve as a guide along the way so that the process goes as smoothly as possible. There are plenty of spouses who have done it without a lawyer, but be prepared to spend a good deal of time towards it. However, each situation is different, so in your case a lawyer may not be necessary. They are rather inexpensive for uncontested divorces, even on the high end.
Filing the petition for divorce is the first step of the process, should you decide to not hire a lawyer. Paperwork can be purchased online for this step. It will ask for certain details and personal information regarding the parties involved, including children, and all the assets owned by the spouses. The more assets a couple has, the more complex this step is.
There is always the chance that certain assets will be left out of the petition when done without a lawyer. The petitioner also has to be aware of the legal grounds for a divorce, and the options he or she has available to them. In some cases, one party is at fault for a divorce, while in others it's a matter of irreconcilable differences. In the latter, they will have to show that an effort was made to work their problems out.
After filing the petition, the next step is sending the paperwork to the other spouse. If you hire a lawyer, he or she will take care of this step for you. Proof that this paperwork was received by the other party is required. This person then becomes the respondent, and has the chance to either agree with what's stated in the petition or dispute it. If both sides reach an agreement on the terms, then going to court could be avoided. On the other hand, if they continue to disagree, then a contested divorce could be the outcome.
