“Can I get a divorce without a lawyer?”
The question above is one that I hear quite frequently, and I want to take the time to answer it because so many people have been steered wrong with bad advice in the past. Yes, of course, you can get a divorce in Florida without the help of an attorney. Anyone can represent themselves in court.
But should you?
Let’s say you and your spouse agree on virtually every aspect of how you want your divorce to unfold. You have no animosity toward one another. In fact, you are still friends even though your marriage is over.
Even if you are going to mediate your divorce, I still think that you would be making a mistake by forgoing legal representation, and that’s not just because I am a divorce attorney.
Why Divorce without a Lawyer Is Almost Always a Bad Idea
If you are wondering whether you can get a divorce without an attorney, you are probably worried about money. I understand your concern but let me illustrate why I think DIY divorces are a bad idea.
The Paperwork Has to Be Accurate and Filed on Time
Do you know which forms you need to submit when filing for divorce? Do you know the timeline that you need to follow? Attorneys who practice family law and have years of experience are familiar with the paperwork that the courts require. They know how to get things done the right way the first time.
It’s Less Expensive to Avoid Mistakes Than It Is to Fix Them
When you hire an attorney, you’re not just hiring someone to fill out legal paperwork (as important as it is to fill out paperwork properly and submit it by the deadline). You are hiring someone who is trained to anticipate problems before they arise. A divorce attorney can save you a lot because they know what the most common mistakes are and how to avoid them. In most cases, it is a lot easier (and when it comes to divorce, less costly) to avoid mistakes than it is to fix them after the fact.
Florida Divorce Can Be More Complicated Than You Think
While you can get a divorce without a lawyer in Florida, you might want to think twice about going that route if you don’t want to spend countless hours trying to navigate the system so that you don’t make a costly mistake. The truth is that there are many different things that you will have to consider when going through a divorce. How will your spouse’s debts affect you? Should you pursue alimony? Will your children be adequately supported financially?
These are only a few of the types of questions that a divorce attorney will help you answer. Do yourself a favor and get in touch with me today if you are thinking of divorce. Let’s talk about how to pursue your case.
About the Author: Helena Y. Farber is an attorney in Aventura, Florida, whose practice is concentrated in the areas of divorce and family law. She can be reached at (305) 520-9205 or via email athyf@farberlawpa.com.
Disclaimer: The attorney makes this Blog available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.