Sometimes, you can save a lot of money when you do a project yourself instead of hiring someone else. It can be simpler and smarter to do it yourself.
…But sometimes, you wish you had just hired an expert from the beginning. It would have saved you time and grief, and even money.
DIY Divorce?
Divorce in California can be an expensive and time-consuming process. You may think that you will be saving money by acting as your own attorney, but, just like DIY home repairs, it can cost even more to have to undo a mistake. Sometimes it really is worth the peace of mind to call in an expert and know it’s being done right from the start.
Representing yourself in a divorce is particularly difficult. Not only are you navigating the complex rules of the law, but divorce can be an emotional rollercoaster. At this challenging time, you can really use someone who can be calm and clearheaded when you are stressed and frustrated with your ex.
Even if you think you will want to represent yourself, it can be helpful to speak with an experienced divorce attorney so that you understand the process and what it will require. At Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP, you can meet with a senior partner for a full 60-minute initial consultation. Once you know what you’re getting yourself into, you’ll be in a better position to decide whether you want to take on the burden of representing yourself in your divorce.
Questions to ask yourself
Here are a few questions to ask yourself if you are thinking about representing yourself in a California divorce:
Are you and your ex on friendly terms?
If you are able to have a conversation together about difficult issues, you may be able to work out an agreement without an attorney… but for many couples, if that were the case, they wouldn’t be getting divorced. And even if you are able to talk together, you may still find it overwhelming to figure out how to untangle your financial obligations, make a custody agreement, and decide on child support.
And remember, if your ex has an attorney, and you don’t—that attorney is NOT obligated to work for your best interest, even if you are on friendly terms.
Do you have kids together?
In addition to questions about the physical custody of your children—visitation, child support, where the children will live and who takes care of their day-to-day needs—you’re also going to have to think about how parenting decisions will be made from now on.
Who will have the right to make major decisions about education, discipline, religious instruction, and medical care? Working out a whole new parenting arrangement can seem overwhelming when you face it for the first time. You may want to have an experienced family law attorney on your side who is familiar with the issues that come up.
How complex will it be?
What financial assets do you and your spouse own, separately and together? Do you suspect that your spouse has hidden assets that he or she isn’t telling you about? Were there issues of adultery or abuse? Was one partner married before and already has child support or alimony obligations? Are you concerned about collecting or paying support payments?
The fact is, the law is complex, and mistakes can be costly in the long run. In addition to representing you in the courtroom, part of an attorney’s role is to assist you with negotiations outside of the courthouse. When you hire an attorney, you know that you will have someone who will stand by your side to ensure that you aren’t walked over or manipulated… or missing out on something important.
Take the time to talk to a knowledgeable and experienced California family law attorney at Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP. Call 909-482-1422 or email info@parents4children.com to make an appointment now.
