Avoiding Court & Legal Fees ... Divorce On Your Own
People do handle their own divorces. This is done without the advocacy of an attorney. When someone represents themselves, it is said to be acting in propria persona or pro per. Acting for yourselves is usually done for a few reasons:
- To avoid the cost of attorneys and legal fees.
- To keep matters private.
- To maintain a sense of cooperation as you move forward.
- To retain control over the process.
Many people handle divorces successfully on their own. It is easier if there is very little property and no children involved. However, it is possible to make mistakes along the way. For example, if your spouse has an attorney, it may be difficult for you to effectively represent yourself. If you do not understand taxes or pensions you may miss opportunities that could make your final settlement more effective.
You might consider having financial professionals or attorneys consult with you along the way. A mediator may assist in situations that need additional attention. Or you may handle your divorce entirely on your own. For assistance, you can use self-help books, the Internet or, if it is available through your local court, a family law facilitator. Likewise, the librarian at your local county law library may be able to help you find appropriate resources and forms for your particular issues.
You will also need to be aware of the rules of the courts in your area with regards to filing papers with the court. This infomration can be obtained at your county's Family Law court.
Typically the self-represented couple does not go to court or appear in court. That is a myth sometimes used to scare people from doing this on their own. But should you need to appear in court, there are rules and procedures that an attorney can and should help you with.
