Divorcing spouses may think that they are able to handle a divorce on their own; with the thought that they will save on attorney fees or that they can better sort through their personal issues on their own. While this option may work for some, it is important to be honest with yourself and with each other when making this decision. Couples who struggle to work through their differences for the sake of the marriage often struggle to work together when attempting to reach an agreement on something as potentially complex as a divorce settlement.
In order to assess whether a do-it-yourself divorce is a viable option for you, here are a few questions you may want to consider:
- Can you be civil? It can be nearly impossible to reach an agreement with your spouse if the relationship has gone so sour that you cannot have a discussion without launching into a full-scale argument. When you have a mediator, you have a neutral party who will not let emotion get in the way of finding a resolution for both parties.
- Is someone more dominant? It is likely that one spouse is more dominant than the other, raising the likelihood that the less dominant person’s needs will be ignored or unheard. To even out these negotiations, you will need someone to intervene on your behalf to ensure balance rather than the domination of one over the other.
- Are you familiar with your finances? The duties of running a household are often divided. If your spouse handled the finances, you could be at a disadvantage when it comes to dividing financial assets. This is especially true if your finances are more complex and include assets like businesses, pensions, or real estate. Having an expert at your side to represent your interest will prevent your spouse from taking advantage of you in a settlement.
- How much do you know about family law? Family law can be complicated and difficult to understand. Unless you are a lawyer, you probably do not have much experience with the law. You can try to read up on it online but it will likely not be enough to ensure that your interests are protected. Lawyers study for years to accumulate the knowledge and experience necessary to help their clients. Consequently, attempting to perform a job meant for an expert could lead to some unfavorable results. You often trust professionals to do things that you cannot do on your own, such as repairing your car or diagnosing an ailment, so why not trust a professional to handle your divorce?
- Do you trust your spouse? When you hire a lawyer, you are hiring someone to fight for your rights and interests. When you try to work things out with your soon-to-be ex on your own, both of you are out to do what is best for yourself rather than doing what is fair or right.
At Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers, our Board Certified family law attorneys will create a personalized legal strategy that is aligned with your goals. We have over 95 years of combined experience and will use it to your advantage. We have handled a range of cases, including divorce, child support, child custody, collaborative divorce, and adoption. Regardless of whether your case can be settled outside of court or requires litigation, you can rest assured that your interests are in good hands.
Call us for a consultation at (940) 293-2313