With the average divorce costing $15,000 or so, many couples opt for the DIY route. They figure they can handle the divorce themselves using online forms and other internet resources. They also assume they can get the process done cheaply and move on with their lives. It cannot be that hard, right?
Wrong! A DIY could work, but only for very few divorces. If the couple was married for a very short time (under a few years), had no kids, had few assets and can agree on all the issues in their divorce, then this might be an acceptable option. However, this will not work for everyone, as most divorces are complex and do require some degree of legal assistance.
Simply put, divorces are not easy. They are complicated events that often take a long time to resolve. There are so many elements involved when a marriage ends, and getting both spouses to agree to everything can be an arduous process.It can be expensive and take a long time. It often takes mediation and sometimes even litigation to resolve all the issues in a divorce.
Even if you and your spouse have an uncontested divorce and agree on all the issues, it is still recommended to have a lawyer on your side. You do not necessarily need one throughout your divorce, but they can help with certain aspects. For example, they can review your agreement and offer advice as to what a fair agreement would be. They can attend mediation with you and provide legal advice, since the mediator is not allowed to do so. They can also attend your divorce hearing with you if an attorney is required or you have minor children.
It is possible that your divorce agreement could be one-sided and this can affect your financial future. The lawyer can look at your agreements and ensure that your rights are protected. Lawyers are familiar with all the laws involved and will make sure you get all you are entitled to receive in a divorce. They can also make sure your agreement is valid and legal in your state.
There are many reasons why a person would need a lawyer. This depends on the situation. It can be helpful to have a lawyer who can fight against a spouse who may be trying to take advantage of you. There are different types of lawyers. Some are more collaborative, while others enjoy battling it out in court. Here are some other reasons why you might want to consider hiring a lawyer.
Your Divorce is Complicated
If you have been married for decades and have amassed numerous assets, you are going to have a hard time splitting them up. There will likely be some contention about who gets what. You may also have complex assets such as retirement accounts. Who gets your inheritance? What if there are children involved? These are things that require expert advice from a lawyer.
You are Too Emotional
A divorce can bring out intense emotions, and when a person is emotional, that person is often not thinking clearly. If you are trying to resolve divorce issues on your own, it can be difficult to make good decisions. That is why it is better to have a lawyer handle your case. They can offer objective advice that is not fueled by emotions. They can provide clear, level-headed advice during this difficult time. They can also help you find therapy and other resources so you can deal with your emotions in a healthy manner.
You Want to Avoid Delays and Costly Mistakes
A divorce requires a mountain of paperwork and there are deadlines involved. You may think you can handle all of this on your own. However, if you do not know what you are doing, you could end up with a huge headache — not to mention delays and extra costs. Most people who are going through a divorce know nothing about the law. They are simply getting all their information from the internet. This is not the ideal way to go. It is best to let someone who knows the law handle the process. Lawyers know the process like the backs of their hands. They know what paperwork to file and when. They can guide you through the process quickly and easily.
You are Looking for Alternative Options
If you are in a situation in which you and your spouse cannot agree on certain issues, a lawyer is sure to help. Attorneys have experience with hundreds of divorce cases and no two are alike, so they know how to find other options to fit your needs. For example, if there is a disagreement about how to split an asset, they can advise you on ways to make the divisions equitable. They can also predict how a judge will rule in certain cases, so they can advise you as to whether or not it would be beneficial to take your divorce to court.
Seek Legal Help
While many people try to save money with a DIY divorce, this can be a bad idea for many reasons. Lawyers know the law and can help you get the best outcome possible.
Most divorces have some complexities. Broward County divorce attorney Scott J. Stadler can help you through your divorce issue and ensure you get what you deserve. Do not settle for less. Call (954) 346-6464 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation with our office.