A Look At The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Filing A DIY Divorce

Posted on: 5 May 2016

With the availability of information online, you may do some research and decide that you are perfectly capable of filing for a divorce on your own without hiring an attorney. While going the DIY route with a divorce is a possibility and may save you a few bucks, choosing to go solo when you make this legal filing may not always be the best decision. In divorce, there is a lot of room for costly mistakes that are all too easy to make without the guidance of a legal professional. Here are a few of the biggest mistakes people tend to make when they are filing for divorce on their own. 

Mistake: Not getting familiar with your state's laws regarding divorce. 

Why? Every state has different laws regarding divorce. For example, some states require a separation for a set amount of time before an individual can file for divorce, while others may have stipulations concerning the reasoning behind filing for a divorce in a first place. If you are unfamiliar with these laws, it is best to leave divorce filing to a true professional. You could spend a lot of time filling out paperwork and sacrificing your time only to find out later that you have done something wrong according to state law and have wasted your time. 

Mistake: You and your partner are having a difficult time making decisions about custody. 

Why? When children are involved in a divorce, it can always make the process more complicated. If you choose to take the DIY route when you file, you could shorthand yourself when it comes to time shared or child support. Divorce attorneys deal with children in divorce on a regular basis. They are familiar with family law and can anticipate what a judge will rule during the filing process so you can have greater control over the outcome of custody and support. 

Mistake: Your debts and assets are a complex thing. 

Why? In general, the more assets, money, and debt there are involved in a divorce, the more difficult it can get when you start going through paperwork. In order to file on your own, it will be imperative that you have a good understanding of every aspect of finances and assets. Otherwise, you could easily disregard something important and end up giving up too much of your own property or property that you have a right to. To find out more, speak with someone like Craig H. Lane, PC

Share