Let’s face it. Divorce is a tricky business in that it is a legal process that has emotional and financial consequences. How well you recover and move on from a divorce will depend upon your ability to adjust and manage the turmoil. Relationships (a divorcing spouse, any children, family, friends, work associations, divorce attorneys, etc.) will undergo changes. People who you interact with most will be affected by your emotional journey. Accept that there are some elements of this process that you can control and many that you cannot.
You will decide either to have a lawyer represent you, or you will represent yourself. Representing yourself is known as Pro Per or Pro Se. Rule of thumb: hire a lawyer if you have kids and assets. Less complicated divorces can be done Pro Se.
Should you decide to be represented, you will need to select an attorney that is suitable for your needs. You can ask friends or family, or search for a local divorce lawyer yourself.
Filing the divorce on your own can be a challenge, but understanding the process, knowing which divorce forms to use and having detailed instructions in front of you will make it easier. Where do you get the forms? Which forms do you need and how do you fill them out? What do you do with the forms once they are filled out? Can you get forms online, and are they the correct ones? We have you covered. For those that want to complete the paperwork yourself, we have DIY divorce forms to download and complete.
Maybe – It Depends
This is the standard answer to most questions. Few things are cut and dried. Unless you’re in a position to hire a top-notch attorney and have him or her handle everything, you’re going to want to be involved in the decision-making, and how well you understand your options and execute the right decisions will determine how you recover from this mess. Become an expert on divorce as if your life depended on it. Because it does.