It is not uncommon for couples to not seek advice from an attorney when starting divorce proceedings whether it be because of cost, advice can be found online, or it would take up more time than it is worth to work with an attorney. However, in most cases, a do-it-yourself divorce isn’t the best plan, for reasons you may not realize at the time. Here are three things you consider before attempting a DIY Divorce.
1. Divorces take time. Do you have the time it will take to research North Carolina divorce laws, gather all the necessary documentation, and following through with court filings and appearances? All of these steps are necessary to make sure that you are receiving everything that you are entitled to and you will need to devote a lot of time and energy into your divorce. Not to mention the emotional roller-coaster that all divorces go through, which will make it even more difficult to take on your case objectively.
2. You should not attempt to handle a contested divorce yourself. If there is anger between you and your spouse and you can’t agree on the terms of your divorce, you should absolutely not attempt to handle your divorce without an attorney. When emotions are high many people resort to agreeing to certain aspects just to get the divorce over with, and then looking back on it in post-divorce and realizing what a big mistake you made in the heat of the moment. Working with an attorney or mediator can not only help you resolve your issues favorably but can also save you money and trouble in the long run when everything is handled correctly the first time.
3. An attorney is aware of long-term concerns you may not even consider. Some of these include tax implication, alimony that you are entitled to based on your soon-to-be-ex-spouse’s anticipated financial future, distribution of assets, inheritance, and parent plan account for healthcare/education. These are some of the things that could come up and, without some guidance of someone who understands the law and has experience taking care of all the small things, make a big difference to your future.
Handling a divorce on your own is possible, but it can complicate the process. If you are considering a divorce, we invite you to contact Capital to Coast NC Law Group.