How to Avoid Lawyers in Divorce
In some cases, spouses can work together to reach an agreement – and avoid court visits and the stress that comes with them. When families start thinking about separation and divorce, their first thoughts often revolve around hiring a divorce lawyer. Which, although it is a practical step, fills many people with fear. Yes, I thought. All couples should have access to a legal expert who can help them step by step through a divorce, as well as fair judges, as we were lucky enough to get, to practice justice. But perhaps true justice is at least an ability for two people to divorce amicably without breaking the bank or going to war. In some situations, a vulnerable party may find themselves in a detrimental situation. While you don`t necessarily need a lawyer to help you get divorced, it`s important to be ready for your trial, whether it`s making sure the proper documentation is ready or making sure you file your documents with the appropriate court. This article provides legal information on how to proceed with filing for divorce and how to create a divorce agreement without the need for a lawyer. A state-by-state approach is also needed to ensure that you are following the right laws.
The first question to consider when approaching divorce proceedings without a lawyer is whether you and your spouse agree on all of the above issues (para. B example, property, children, marital homes, etc.). Negotiated settlements, mediation and collaborative divorce all have their advantages and disadvantages. What works for a couple may not work for you. When determining the best strategy to resolve your divorce, your lawyer will determine if you and your spouse have children, as well as your income, assets and debts, as well as your communication styles. Dispute resolution centers can provide a wealth of information and a non-threatening place to find answers to these difficult questions. Trained professionals will listen to your story and help you develop an alternative method of resolving disputes around your family`s unique situation – one that may or may not include divorce lawyers. Divorce in the United States is a multi-billion dollar industry that pits spouses against spouses in a potentially endless arms race of costs. “Make no mistake,” my former therapist, a man who is not prone to exaggeration, once warned me: “Divorce is a war.
In fact, if you find that your lawyer is pushing you too quickly into an adversarial trial, you should step on the gas and ask a few questions. For starters, does the lawyer offer any options other than going to court? What does he know about collaborative divorce and mediation law? So yes, getting divorced without a lawyer can be a bad idea. But this does not have to be the case. Under the right circumstances and with the right preparation, a do-it-yourself divorce can be quick and effective, allowing you to continue your life with less cost and stress. Do you really need a lawyer for a divorce? The truth is that it depends. But what many lawyers won`t tell you is that legal aid in divorce doesn`t have to be all or nothing. For example, if you and your spouse largely agree, but need a little help to finalize your agreement, mediation can help you get there. If you`ve made a deal but want to make sure it protects your interests, you can hire a lawyer just to review your divorce agreement. You can work with a lawyer to design your agreement to meet legal requirements or appear with you in court.
It`s really based on your needs, and there are many ways to get help for a do-it-yourself divorce. So, two and a half years after the breakup, my not yet ex and I have done nothing on the divorce front. I felt hopeless. Caught. Paralyzed by our lack of options. But the current system – hiring lawyers, going to court – had nothing in store for those of us who live from hand to mouth, but not poor enough to qualify for free representation. When we walked away from the wedding, I didn`t even know what to call it. “My ex” wasn`t quite right, but neither was “my husband.” A friend suggested “What-Band,” but no. Whoever he was to me, he was no longer physically present or available to the parents, so in a way I was lucky: I didn`t have to apply for custody in court because I was the de facto parent 24/7 for two and a half years. I considered going to court to apply for child support, but when I factored in the legal fees it would cost me — not to mention the logistical hassle of putting us both in the same courtroom because my ex lived in California and I was in New York — it didn`t seem like a good use of my time.
Energy or money.. .
