Even Amicable Divorces Need Assistance from an Attorney - Learn Why

 Posted on April 06, 2017 in Divorce

The internet is full of do-it-yourself divorce options, and you may even have a friend or family member that knows someone who has tried one of them. Unfortunately, it is only these so-called positive stories that seem to gain attention; no one talks about the horrible mistakes that can occur, or how a DIY divorce can leave parties especially vulnerable to financial devastation. Learn more about why a lawyer should be utilized, even in an amicable divorce, and how a DIY divorce might cost you far more than what it is worth.

Ways a DIY Divorce Can Cost You

Do-it-yourself divorces come with a broad range of potential pitfalls. First, there is the risk that your spouse may hide assets from you; it is rather easy to do in a DIY divorce. If it happens to you, you could find yourself suffering from a serious loss in your divorce settlement, and in some cases, it could be severe enough to cause financial devastation.

Another problematic issue is the risk of making mistakes. While most DIY divorce options claim to be tailored to your state's laws, this is not always the case. Failure to consider state-specific information can, again, leave you with costly mistakes. What is worse, some of these errors cannot be undone. Of course, even if the error is fixable, having to go back and repair it could cost you more than doing it right the first time. Extra attorney hours, more time in court and other potential issues can all add up quickly.

Lastly, the DIY option can leave you unprepared if the winds of divorce change suddenly, and your spouse unexpectedly becomes contentious. Think such a thing is impossible? Think again! Even some of the seemingly most amicable splits can turn contentious when discussing matters involving money, assets, or children. Be prepared and ensure you have an advocate on your side, right from the start.

Why an Attorney is Important in Divorce

Divorce lawyers do not just fill out paperwork and submit it to the courts; they have spent years learning the ins and outs of divorce laws. They can assist you in strategizing your approach, should you experience a hiccup in the divorce process. An attorney can also aggressively protect your rights, should your spouse suddenly turn on you in the middle of negotiations. Further, your lawyer can free you up to handle the emotional and more detailed aspects of ending your marriage, such as separating credit cards, finding a new home, and going to therapy. All of this and more can improve the overall outcome of your divorce.

At Stock, Carlson & Asso. LLC, we understand the sensitive nature of divorce, which is why we provide highly personalized services to each of our clients. Seasoned and compassionate, we will strive for the separation strategy that best suits your needs. To learn more about how we can assist with your case, call 630-665-2500 and schedule your consultation with our DuPage County divorce lawyers today.

Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/14/diy-divorce_n_3756900.html