How to Get Divorced Without an Attorney
You have decided that your marriage is beyond repair and now you are planning on divorce. Your first dilemma may be whether to retain an attorney who practices in the area of divorce law or if you should trust your instincts and seek out an affordable divorce attorney. There are pros and cons associated with each decision and you need to make the decision that is right for you. Many times people think that they would be better off hiring a lawyer because they are more experienced than an amicable divorce settlement. This can lead to a less successful outcome and you could wind up spending thousands of dollars, if not more, paying a lawyer who is more than equipped to handle your case.
Most individuals who decide to file for divorce do so because they are unable to abide by the terms of their marital agreement. In this case, they would be better served to file for bankruptcy and start from scratch when it comes to their financial future. Bankruptcy and marital settlement have different consequences, so it is important to understand them both. An amicable divorce settlement will prevent your assets from being seized by the court and will allow both parties time to recover from their financial losses.
There are many things to consider when choosing divorce lawyers and the initial step is to determine whether or not you want to retain a lawyer who practices within your state. Not all family law attorneys practice in all the states across America. In order to determine the jurisdiction in which your divorce will be finalized, you will have to contact the Family Law Attorneys Association of your state. Once you have narrowed your list of choices, you will be able to visit the Family Law Attorneys Association’s website to review their directory of family law attorneys and schedule an initial consultation.
Once you have chosen a family law attorney, the next step will be to schedule an initial consultation. This is where your attorney will be able to evaluate your specific needs and determine which course of action is in your best interest. Your initial consultation is also where you will learn more about the services that your attorney may offer you on your case. You can expect your attorney to inquire about the particulars of your particular divorce case and any other legal issue that would concern you. He or she will also be able to tell you if he or she would be able to handle your legal issue and if you would be comfortable with him or her representing you.
Your divorce lawyer will also meet with you in person to discuss your personal situation. It is important to listen to your divorce attorney’s suggestions regarding the resolution of your specific issues. There will likely be provisions in the divorce agreement that will be agreeable to both you and your spouse. In addition, you may be able to reach an agreement on a division of property that is fair and equitable to you. It is important for you to fully understand the provisions of your agreement before signing it.
If you are still struggling to pay the fees of your attorney, here are 5 tips that can help you save money. First of all, many divorce attorneys offer financing options. If you find that you do not qualify for the financing option offered by your current divorce lawyer, you should ask if they offer a no-risk financing program. This financing program allows you to pay the fees in full without the worry of being required to start paying off your debts. Keep in mind that financing options are not available for all divorce attorneys.
If you are unable to come to an agreement with your spouse regarding your divorce, you may be able to get divorced without hiring a lawyer. Many states now allow people to get divorced just by filling out a simple form. A lot of people these days are beginning to make use of this no-cost or low-cost option to get divorced. As stated earlier, if you have a fight with your spouse regarding your marital assets or debt, you could potentially save a great deal of money if you use an uncontested divorce.
If you do decide to proceed with an uncontested divorce, you should still hire a divorce attorney. Hiring a professional attorney is crucial to getting a good result. Divorce attorneys have extensive experience in representing their clients, and they can help represent you throughout the legal issue. They are familiar with the laws in your state, and they will work hard to get you a fair settlement. Even if you don’t need to pay for legal advice, you will still benefit from having a divorce attorney at your side.
