Think Twice Before Going for the DIY Divorce

 Posted on September 06, 2013 in Divorce

In a world where everyone is looking for a way to save some money, many people are turning to do it yourself legal channels. While some matters can be done this way, experts advise against DIY divorces. A report by the Huffington Post talks about the pros and cons. The Pros

• The forms may seem easy to understand and the language straightforward.
• It can be cost effective for a couple that has a "simple" case.
• The forms are relatively easy to obtain and there is no additional waiting period.
• The divorce can be finalized with one court appearance.
• Consulting an attorney is cheaper than paying for full representation.

The Cons

• You are more like to make unsound financial decisions.
• Your rights will not be properly attended.
• You may not understand the process, or it may not be as simple as you are led to believe.
• If your spouse has legal counsel you may feel cheated at the end.
• There will be a limitation on the legal advice that you will receive, which means your best interests may not be protected.

Unless you are a lawyer, the legal ramifications of tackling a divorce pro se can be devastating. Chances are, you may end up losing thousands of dollars in a settlement just to save a few hundred on the divorce itself. Even lawyers have lawyer that represent them in areas of the law that they don’t practice. Not having an attorney may keep you from presenting all of the information that you feel that the court needs to hear regard your case. There are also many scams that are out there under the guise of do it yourself divorces. Receiving sound legal advice in a divorce case can be priceless. The only way that you can be sure that your rights are protected is by consulting with an experienced and knowledgeable Illinois divorce attorney. Your lawyer will explain everything to you and represent you before the judge.