What’s the benefit of hiring a divorce lawyer vs. the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) divorce kit?
DIY divorce kits are growing in popularity. Instead of hiring a divorce attorney, some couples choose DIY divorce to save money. In general, DIY divorce only works well if you have no minor children or property/assets, or an uncontested divorce. If that doesn’t apply to you, hire an experienced attorney. You benefit from an advocate who will negotiate the best possible resolution for you.
Is a Do-It-Yourself Divorce Right for You?
Hiring a lawyer is expensive. Many jurisdictions now offer DIY divorce kits. Before you decide whether to do it yourself, consider your circumstances carefully. Using a DIY kit may save you the cost of a lawyer, but the disadvantages could easily outweigh any benefits.
A DIY divorce kit may work for you under if
- You have no children and only minimal assets
- Your divorce is uncontested
- Both parties agree to the terms of the dissolution.
Does your divorce involve agreements regarding child support, child custody, and/or property valuation and distribution? An experienced divorce attorney is well worth the fee for getting you a fair settlement. A DIY divorce could cost you much more.
Should You Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
You could file for divorce without hiring a lawyer. However, without an attorney to advocate for you, you might agree to a less than an equitable distribution of assets and liabilities. As a result, could find yourself in court later on, attempting to revise your agreement. A divorce lawyer understands all the nuances of the laws and processes of dissolution, and has expertise when it comes to negotiating the following:
- Equity in the marital home
- Proper disposal of the marital home—quit claim, assignment of deed, or sale
- Child support
- Child custody
- Visitation
- Spousal support or alimony
- Continuation of health insurance for the children and spouse when permitted by local law.
- Fair distribution of monetary assets and tangible property
- Distribution of debts
- Future distribution of retirement accounts
Hiring a divorce attorney seems expensive, but the results in most cases justify the cost. Most divorcing couples do not have sufficient knowledge of divorce law. Due to failure to understand the laws, you might end up agreeing to far less than you deserve. A divorce lawyer negotiates with your spouse’s lawyer to ensure you receive everything to which you are entitled.
Legal-Yogi Can Help
Legal-Yogi’s experts can save you time and lower your stress by helping you find the right divorce attorney from among our extensive network of legal professionals. Simply fill out the form on this website and someone will respond quickly.
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