3 Challenges Of Representing Yourself In A Divorce

If you just received divorce papers, one of the first steps you will need to do is hire a divorce attorney to represent you. Unfortunately, hiring an attorney can be expensive, but having an attorney is also important. In this situation, you could always consider skipping the attorney and representing yourself. This would help you save money, but you will need to be prepared for the following challenges of getting divorced without a lawyer.

You will not know the process

The first thing you will need to do if you plan on representing yourself is learn the process. A divorce case doesn't typically happen in just one visit to the court. Instead, it takes time and involves several hearings in most cases. For example, your first hearing in front of a judge will be used as a preliminary hearing. This is done to decide rules and agreements you must both follow while the divorce is taking place. This can include who will live in the home and who will have custody of the kids.

You may not know what you are entitled to

If you and your spouse have very few assets and liabilities, the divorce will be a lot easier to settle. On the other hand, if you own a lot of assets, it may be hard for you to understand exactly what you are entitled to. This may lead you to accepting an agreement that gives you less than what you really should have received.

In a divorce where you have a lawyer, your lawyer will help you determine exactly what you are entitled to. Lawyers are good at this because they know the law, and they also know how to research a couple's finances to find out exactly what assets the couple owns.

You may have a hard time settling certain matters

If you have children with your spouse, and if your spouse is fighting you for custody, you will have a hard time winning if you do not have a lawyer. Custody battles can be hard and can take time. If you are trying to do this alone, you may not have a clue how to go about proving that you are the more fit parent for the children.

If there are any other issues you and your spouse are fighting about, you may also experience problems settling those issues and getting the results you desire.

Representing yourself in a divorce is a great way to save money, but it can also put you in a bad position. It is always better to spend the money on a good lawyer, because the results are usually a lot better. To learn more, contact a firm such as Granowitz, White & Weber Attorneys at Law.


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