Important Thoughts on Why You Shouldn’t Represent Yourself in A Divorce
You may have asked yourself the question on whether or not you need the assistance of a divorce attorney when both you and your spouse have decided to end the marriage. If so, then there are several points that could help you make the process of divorce work for you and your spouse without much trouble.
Why Hire Divorce Representation?
It is in your best interest to hire divorce representation to represent you if your spouse already has one. However, it depends on the specific circumstances of your case. So you don’t want to go up against a legal practitioner unless you have legal experience.
Nowadays, you can say that it may seem easier to handle a divorce on your own. In just a few steps, you will be able to dissolve your marriage, simply by downloading the forms, paying the fees, and filing the paperwork.
Benefits of Representing Yourself
One of the biggest advantages, when you represent yourself, is saving money. Attorney’s fees, missing work, and other things cause divorce cases to add up in cost. If you and your ex-spouse are able to settle things amicably then there’s a good chance the both of you can save some money.
Nevertheless, you must know that this can only work in relatively simple cases. Thus, it may serve you well when you have little or no shared property to divide, no children, and both agree on details. This means that it would favor an uncontested divorce wherein you can handle everything for yourselves.
Disadvantages of Representing Yourself
Some drawbacks and risks come when you serve as your own divorce attorney. In fact, it is not always a good idea to consider this, particularly when you get into situations with animosity and conflict.
This is because even as many couples start the road to divorce with the best intentions, old tensions and hurt feelings may flare up quickly. Moreover, many things become contentious and heated without much warning.
Should You Hire A Divorce Attorney?
If you are in between the idea of hiring a divorce lawyer and representing yourself, then you need to consider certain issues that could result from it. Here are a number of questions you need to ask yourself first that could help you come up with a wise decision.
Do you have children?
Do you have shared assets?
Are there factors that may complicate matters?
Are both of you capable of interacting rationally?
Do you understand the process and what you are entitled to legally?
Does your spouse have a divorce attorney?
Are you still in a decision-making stage? If so, then you may want to consider meeting for divorce representation for a consultation. He or she may also give you an idea of the complexity of your case. This will also give you an idea about what you have to deal with and what your case requires. If you are thinking about representing yourself in court, remember that there are consequences that you also need to consider.
The Law Office of Jon R. Boyd practices Family and Probate Law and has two offices located in Fort Worth and Fort Worth, Texas. We‘re happy to offer our services here and to the surrounding areas: Fort Worth, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Lewisville, Denton, The Colony, Little Elm, Carrollton, Richardson, Addison, Dallas or Fort Worth