In the era of all things Do-It-Yourself, going it alone on your divorce may feel like the natural choice. But with so much at stake, is a lawyerless divorce the right choice for you and your family?
Spouses that have made the difficult decision to end their marriage know one thing for certain: they have reached a point of no return in their relationship and fixing it is no longer an option. More often than not, couples reach this decision after years of dysfunction, grief, anger, and distrust. And in some cases, one or both spouses have been physically or verbally abusive to the other.
Break-Ups Can Be Complicated
Over the years, these same couples have likely made personal and professional sacrifices for one another. They also might have purchased a home together, and taken on sizable debts. Perhaps they’ve even had one or more children together.
Ending the marriage, then, would mean addressing a number of complex and emotionally-draining issues. For instance, one or both spouses may want continuing support from the other. Additionally, partners may not see eye-to-eye on who gets the house (or the dog). And if the couple has minor children in common, parental decision-making and timesharing will have to be decided.
Reaching an agreement on these issues is ideal, but the reality of the parties’ fractured relationship could stand in the way of a smooth break-up. To be sure, years of disagreement and broken trust between spouses can spell disaster for a “simple” divorce.
The DIY Divorce
Despite these issues, an increasing number of divorcing couples turn to online services that offer to walk them through the steps of a cheap, lawyer-free divorce. The clear, up-front cost and convenient platform certainly make these services appealing.
Still, couples should carefully consider the risks of a DIY divorce before deciding to go it without a lawyer. Those unfamiliar with rules of court and filing requirements may find it difficult to get their divorce off the ground. When children are involved, failure to understand the law could mean excluding an important expense from the support calculation.
When property comes into play, how can you be sure that your soon-to-be-ex isn’t hiding valuable assets in the negotiations? And what do you do when the other party refuses to agree on an issue?
A Divorce Lawyer Is Here To Help
Are you facing similar barriers to a “simple” divorce? You don’t have to do this on your own. A knowledgable divorce lawyer can help.
Marriages involving children, alimony, or significant assets can be complicated. A misstep in these situations could have short- and long-term implications that affect your stability and happiness.
If you are facing the prospect of divorce, speak with a Central Florida divorce lawyer.