If you are going through a divorce, you might be considering going through the process alone – without the help of an attorney. However, before you make such an important decision, you should understand the pros and cons of getting divorced without a lawyer in Orlando, Florida. Read on to learn more, or contact Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC to learn how a divorce lawyer can help.
Pros of Legal Representation in a Divorce Case
Here are some of the advantages of getting a divorce without a lawyer:
Cost Savings
The most common reason why people get divorced without a lawyer is because they want to save money. They think that they can do the job themselves or that the divorce is not complicated. In this way, they may be able to save on an attorney’s hourly fees, but they almost always wind up paying more in the long run.
More Privacy
Getting a divorce can be an emotionally trying time. By going through the process alone, you may be able to save yourself from feeling embarrassed or vulnerable with another person. However, there are mandatory disclosures required by Florida law, so you will still be required to share certain information during the divorce.
Less Contentious
Sometimes, having a lawyer may seem like you are in attack mode. Your spouse may feel uncomfortable knowing that you have hired someone to look out for your interests. Not having a lawyer can appear less contentious.
However, hiring a lawyer does not mean you have to go through a contested divorce. Oftentimes, divorce lawyers are able to negotiate with the other spouse and communicate on their client’s behalf without the emotional entanglements felt by their client. In fact, some lawyers work on collaborative divorce cases in which the lawyers and parties are all committed to reaching an amicable agreement in an uncontested divorce.
Cons of Legal Representation in a Divorce Case
Before going through a divorce alone, consider the following disadvantages of not hiring an experienced lawyer:
Higher Likelihood of Making Mistakes
The Florida divorce process is complicated. Parties have to follow complex rules, even if they are not represented by legal counsel. Court clerks and others who are not licensed to practice law cannot give you legal advice about your particular situation. Trying to go through a divorce alone makes it more likely that you will make a mistake at some point through the process.
For example, if you file the paperwork incorrectly, you will have to restart. If you do not request certain relief at the beginning of your case, you can be barred from requesting it later. If you do not respond to divorce paperwork that is served on you, your spouse can receive everything they asked for.
If you make a mistake regarding financial disclosures, your divorce could be set aside, and you could face penalties in court. Other mistakes that you make could impact how much and whether spousal and/or child support is ordered.
Long-Term Costs
Divorce involves many important legal aspects that can affect your life. Not knowing your legal rights can allow you to make significant mistakes that affect your finances and relationship with your children for years to come. These long-term costs, such as not receiving spousal support or losing valuable property, often outweigh the costs of hiring a lawyer.
Possibility of Being Taken Advantage of
If your spouse is represented by legal counsel and you are not, you are at risk of being taken advantage of during the divorce. For example, your spouse may hide assets, causing you to get a lower divorce settlement than you deserve. You could agree to less parenting time, not realizing that you should have been given more. Having a divorce lawyer means there is an advocate looking out for your best interests.
More Time
When a couple gets divorced without a lawyer, there is no one moving the process along. Your spouse could even be intentionally delaying the process. Delayed divorce proceedings can increase the stress and frustration involved in the process.
Contact the Orlando Family and Divorce Law Firm of Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC for Help Today
For more information, contact our experienced Orlando divorce lawyers at Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC by calling (407) 831-0203 to schedule a free consultation.
Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC
815 N Magnolia Ave Suite 100
Orlando, FL 32803
United States