Do-it-yourself versus attorney-assisted divorces

The decision to go through a divorce isn’t easy for any couple. One of the most challenging things you will have to decide is the manner in which you will execute the divorce. There are two primary ways that you can do this. One involves a do-it-yourself divorce. The other is that you can hire a divorce attorney.

There are pros and cons to each. If you are weighing your options, you should think carefully because your future could be greatly impacted. Here are some points to consider:

The cost of the process

Many people think that a do-it-yourself divorce is going to be less costly since you aren’t paying an attorney. While it is true that you might not have to pay the cost of an attorney for a DIY divorce, you may end up paying more in other areas. Not having someone to review the situation and ensure that your interests are being protected can be costly when it comes to property division. It can also be detrimental to the child custody process since you might not be familiar with all the applicable laws.

The time you will spend on it

The time you spend on the divorce will likely be greater with a DIY option than when you work with someone familiar with the process. You won’t have to spend time combing through laws. Instead, you will have someone in your corner who can help you to find creative solutions. Even if you and ex are working together on the settlement, a lawyer can save you time because of all the paperwork necessary.

The stress and emotional toll

The end of the marriage is an emotional time. By minimizing the work, you can reduce stress. A DIY divorce is likely going to be much more difficult than one that involves an attorney because you will be left to your own devices regarding the negotiations and the process for finalizing things. It is important to shield your children from the negative aspects of the divorce. You might find this is easier when you have a third party to stand in during the legal process to end the marriage.

You have to make the decisions that you feel are best for your needs. Whether you hire an attorney or go the DIY method, be sure to weigh options thoroughly before pulling the trigger.

Related Links:

• Deciding what to do with your home in a California divorce
• Dividing intangible assets during a divorce
• Don’t let the past cause stress in your divorce
• Evaluate your parenting plan during and after divorce
• How an attorney can help in a high asset divorce
• How can you reduce the stress of every divorce?
• How parents agree on their children’s medical decisions after divorce