When people decided to try a do-it-yourself divorce, they will probably fail, and end up turning to an attorney for help in negotiating and successfully concluding their divorces. This is not just a sales pitch from an experienced divorce attorney. A do-it-yourself divorce is a bad idea, for many cogent and sensible reasons.

First of all, “do you have the time and temperament to research your state’s law, gather the documentation, and follow through with court filings and appearances?” asks divorcenet.com.

Remember, you will most likely be on an emotional roller coaster at the same time, even when both spouses agree on the divorce. You may forget important things when drafting your divorce agreement. What about both spouses’ pension benefits? Social Security benefits? Health insurance? When you have a dispassionate attorney who is familiar with all of the ins and outs of divorce, you will be able to turn over the complex details and take care of yourself instead.

Getting a divorce is challenging and draining, and negotiations can take a long time. Doing it yourself, you will be in danger of agreeing to unfavorable terms, or giving up too much of what you feel is essential to you, just to get it over with.

In a do-it-yourself divorce, warns consumer advice website superpages.com, you have no one to protect your legal rights. You may not be fully aware of what your rights are, and what you are entitled to under the law. When you hire an attorney, the attorney takes on a fiduciary duty to work in your best interest during the divorce process.

Are you sure that you understand what property and/or alimony you are legally entitled to? Do you know what community property is? There are rules in law regarding the division of assets. If you decided on a do-it-yourself divorce, and you’re not aware of these rules, you may agree to a divorce that gives you less than what you might have been entitled to.

In terms of your own financial interests, it’s worth it to invest in hiring an attorney. If you have crafted your own agreement, be sure to ask an attorney to look at it, a step that won’t cost you much, and that could save you’re a lot of money at all in the long run.

 

The seasoned family law and divorce lawyers at the McGrath Law Firm, founded by attorney Peter McGrath, will walk you through every step of the challenging divorce process to address your concerns and achieve your goals as efficiently as possible.  From spousal support, child support, fault, and equitable division of property and debt to valuations, pre-nuptial agreements, and restraining orders, the experienced attorneys at McGrath Law Firm have a successful track record in all aspects of divorce law. Call us to schedule your consultation at (800) 283-1380.