Facing a divorce is a troubling event that sometimes involves more than just two people. Children often take center stage and it's always important to put their needs first. That is why you should consider the entire picture, including asset dividing and support when it comes to finalizing the divorce. Many states now offer a self-filing divorce technique that allows couples to bypass most court proceedings and hiring an attorney for services. While this may be beneficial in some cases, there are some pitfalls to consider.
Small But Important Details May Go Unaddressed
Many do-it-yourself divorce kits are available through your county courthouse. What it entails is all of the paperwork and information necessary to make your divorce legal. Most packets offer step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the paperwork and gather the information needed to file it with the court. The drawback is that unless you are legally versed or have a strong comprehension of law, you may not understand every detail of the packet. You or your spouse may be signing documents that also gives up some of your rights to assets such as your home, vehicles or investment property, because it may be forgotten or not added to the final paperwork. Having a qualified divorce attorney gather and analyze your assets is the best way to prepared when you file for divorce, especially if you have children.
Final Paperwork May Not Be Understood By The Other Party
Some spouses use self-kits to unknowingly trick the other party into signing away some parental rights or the rights to their home. Divorce kits are legally binding documents that will eventually be notarized then examined by a court clerk and then filed with the court. Once signed by a judge, the papers are considered legal in the court of law. If one party doesn't understand the verbiage or they unknowingly sign their name to it, it can be difficult to change this after the documents are filed.
It Can End Up Costing Much More In The Long Run
If the paperwork is filled out wrong or the other party disagrees with any provisions in the filing, you will both have to go to court. In some cases, you'll have to hire an attorney to draw up more paperwork or to set a hearing for a custody or divorce case. This charge will include court costs and attorney fees.
Avoid DIY Divorce Scams
Some newspapers or television advertisements offer do-it-yourself divorce kits for a fee. These are generally the same kits you can find for free or low-cost at your local courthouse. You should never pay for a divorce kit that requests your credit card information and other personal information over the phone.
Getting a divorce is an uncertain and stressful situation. Hiring a divorce lawyer with reputable experience (such as one from Blumenauer Hackworth) will make sure you are protected throughout the entire process.
