Is It a Good Idea To Represent Myself in My Divorce?

Along with the emotional toll that results from breaking off a marriage, the divorce process can be lengthy and complicated for spouses trying to navigate the legal system. You may think your divorce case is straightforward and that your negotiation skills can get you a favorable outcome. Attorneys can be expensive, and you may not want to spend the money if you believe it will do more harm than good. However, before deciding to represent yourself in your divorce case, ask yourself the right questions to ensure you make the right decision.

Ask Yourself the Tough Questions

Can you look objectively at the facts and issues in your divorce case? It’s normal to feel anger and resentment towards your ex-spouse for potential wrongdoings and unresolved conflicts. The loss of a partner can generate feelings of depression, anxiety, and grief. Suppose you cannot communicate with your ex-spouse without becoming hostile or angry. In that case, you may want to consider hiring an attorney to help facilitate communication and negotiate on your behalf.

Unfortunately, many people are not aware of their rights in a divorce case, which can lead to being taken advantage of during this difficult time. For example, if your ex-spouse is cutting you off from marital assets, you should be aware of the steps to take to protect your rights. While you may not know what to do in situations like these, an experienced attorney will be able to answer any questions you have and help remedy the situation.

There are many issues to consider when trying to negotiate a settlement, such as child support, property division, and asset distribution. Any miscalculations or poor negotiation on your part could have devastating long-term consequences. If you’re unsure of your current calculation of assets or if the risks are high, consider hiring an attorney for legal assistance. 

Meeting court deadlines from the beginning to the end of your divorce case is crucial for a favorable outcome. The paperwork involved can contain complicated legal jargon that may be difficult to understand if you lack a legal background. A well-practiced divorce lawyer can explain the jargon in a digestible way and verify that your documents are properly completed. 

Hire a Qualified Divorce Attorney at The Colwell Law Group, LLC.

Just because you can represent yourself in a divorce doesn’t mean you should. It is always recommended to hire a divorce lawyer, especially if your case is complex and involves high risk. Yes, attorneys have a cost. However, it is better to spend the money on a qualified attorney now rather than deal with the expenses of a poor settlement in the long term. Contact our office today to speak with a skilled divorce lawyer who can help guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.

Serving Upstate NY with Offices in Albany, Saratoga Springs, Syracuse, and Rochester

At the Colwell Law Group, our number one priority is always our clients. The members of our team have decades of combined experience in negotiating and trying family law cases. We are able to use our experience and our knowledge of the courts and New York family law to act as advocates for our clients. Our lawyers are dedicated to serving our clients’ best interests while also allowing them to feel heard and understood. We want to ensure that they trust us and understand why we do what we do. Colwell Law has numerous attorneys who are experienced in Family Law that can help put you at ease.

Colwell Law

Colwell Law N/a
Albany Office
The Colwell Law Group, LLC
200 Great Oaks Blvd  Suite 224,  Albany,  NY  12203
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+1-518-203-1592
Saratoga Springs Office
The Colwell Law Group, LLC
513 Broadway Saratoga Springs,  NY  12866
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+1-518-213-2841
Syracuse Office
The Colwell Law Group, LLC
One Park Place 300 S. State, Syracuse, NY 13202
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Rochester Office
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1241 Pittsford Victor Rd 1st floor Pittsford NY 14534
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