Majority of the divorce lawyers will tell you how terrifying and impossible it is to get divorced without the help of a lawyer. Such a piece of advice is expected from people who earn their living by assisting people to get through their divorces with ease. Though this advice may seem self-serving, yet most often, it is right. There are times when the money you think you’ll save on legal fees is never saved as you end up paying in the long run in the form of support or property settlement.
So, even though your League City divorce lawyer tells you that it’s possible to file a divorce without their help, this is tough. Although it is considered a bad idea it doesn’t always have to be so. With the right documentation and circumstances, DIY divorces can also be successful and quick. Check out a few DIY tips on getting a divorce.
Tip #1: Ensure DIY divorce is the right option for you
No matter how much money and time you save, it’s not always worth it in all situations. Here are a few situations where it may make sense to file a divorce without a lawyer.
- You are on good terms with your spouse and you both mutually agree on a divorce
- You both agree on each of the terms of filing a divorce
- The duration of the marriage has been too brief
- You have enough knowledge of the finances of the family
- You both don’t own any property together
- You either don’t have a kid or you both agree on shared parenting
- Neither you nor your spouse has to depend on each other financially
Tip #2: Get all your documents copied
You may feel that your spouse is extremely honest and that divorce is the only option left, but it is still important to verify. Get your own copies of all financial papers like bank statements, tax returns, investment accounts, retirement accounts, pay stubs, credit card accounts, appraisals, or mortgage documents. Get a list of all the assets you own and know their value. Get in touch with an accountant to know the tax consequences.
Tip #3: DIY is not always All-or-Nothing
Whether or not you really require a lawyer to help you with your divorce depends entirely on your situation. The fact that most lawyers won’t tell you is that getting legal help for a divorce doesn’t present an all-or-nothing situation. For instance, if you along with your spouse only need a little bit of help to finalize the agreement, mediation is the solution for you. If you both have come up to an agreement but you wish to ensure your interests are protected, you should hire a lawyer to review the settlement agreement.
Therefore, now that you know the concerns of filing a divorce on your own, you should decide which way to go. To stay safe and protected, it is always better to join hands with an attorney.
