If you are getting a divorce in Trotwood, OH, you may be deciding between an attorney-assisted divorce vs. a DIY divorce. Both options have pros and cons depending on the situation and your goals, which is why it is essential to evaluate both options before starting your divorce proceedings.
DIY Divorce
It can be very tempting to file your own divorce in a DIY divorce. Some people choose to do this because they are trying to save money or the details of their divorce are very simple and straightforward.
A DIY divorce is when you file your own divorce papers and go through the divorce process without the assistance of an experienced divorce attorney. For some situations, this can be a good option, but there are different factors you need to consider before proceeding.
Pros
If you are thinking of handling your divorce on your own, there can be several benefits to this decision, such as:
- Fewer costs: When you do a DIY divorce, you do not have to pay an attorney fee since you are handling the details on your own. However, you do need to keep in mind that court filing fees are mandatory whether you have a lawyer or not.
- Faster process: Some DIY divorces can be quick as long as you and your ex-spouse are in agreement on the divorce. You will need to agree on things like child parenting, property division, child support, and spouse support. If everything has already been worked out, all you will need to do is file the divorce with the court.
- Simpler process: If you decide to file your own divorce, you won’t have to go to the effort of searching for experienced divorce lawyers. You can simply fill out the paperwork, file it with the court, and wait for everything to be approved.
Cons
Now that you know the benefits of getting a DIY divorce, here are some examples of some disadvantages this option could also have for your situation:
- Inexperience: Even for the simplest divorces, issues that you did not plan for may come up along the way. Without the help of a divorce lawyer, you won’t be prepared for these setbacks, and you may not understand what your options are.
- Less desirable outcome: Depending on other details of your divorce, doing this yourself could lead to an unfair outcome. Without the help of an attorney, you may not know what options you have or benefits you could receive.
- Incorrect filing: Because you do not have the experience of a divorce attorney, there is a risk of you filing the paperwork incorrectly. Divorce paperwork can feel very confusing, and even a small error could lead to severe repercussions.
Divorce Lawyer Assistance
Hiring divorce lawyer help is not required in Trotwood, OH. You can file your own divorce papers if you choose, but this is not always an ideal option for every divorce situation. Choosing to go this route could leave you vulnerable in a divorce since you won’t have the support of an attorney.
The job of a divorce lawyer is to protect the rights of their clients. Your lawyer will handle many aspects of your divorce for you and will make sure you understand what your legal options are. Because divorces are legally binding, it is crucial that you get the desired outcome since it can be very difficult to reverse.
Pros
As tempting as a DIY divorce may be, an attorney-assisted divorce can often be much more beneficial. Here are some examples of the benefits you will get when you hire a divorce attorney:
- Experience: A divorce lawyer has experience in Ohio divorces and knows how to navigate the legal process. Your lawyer will ensure you understand what your options are and can provide resources that you otherwise wouldn’t have on your own.
- Less stress: Even a simple divorce can be very overwhelming since there are many details that can make or break the divorce proceedings. A lawyer provides an objective opinion that can help you better understand the options for your particular situation, taking the guesswork out of it.
- Better outcome: Even for amicable divorces, things can always go awry. When you handle your own divorce, you are putting yourself at risk of getting an unfair result if your ex-spouse has more resources than you do.
Cons
Before making your final decision on whether you should hire a divorce legal aid lawyer, let’s consider the downsides to this option:
- More expensive: As beneficial as a divorce lawyer can be, this will create more expenses. You have to pay your lawyer a fee for their assistance, which can become pricey, especially if the divorce proceedings are drawn out.
- Could cause drama: Even though hiring a divorce attorney is a practical decision, this can cause drama with your ex-spouse. They may see this as an underhanded decision, which can result in them changing their mind about certain divorce agreements or trying to blindside you with their own attorney.
Navigating Your Trotwood, OH, Divorce
Before deciding on how to proceed with your Trotwood, OH divorce, you need to evaluate the pros and cons in relation to your specific situation. In most instances, it is always the safer option to have an attorney-assisted divorce.
Even the most simplistic and straightforward divorces can take a turn and become much more complex. Hiring an attorney ensures both parties are fairly represented and have the best chance at getting a favorable outcome. A divorce attorney also provides a valuable support system throughout this process that you can turn to if you are overwhelmed or do not know how to proceed.
Get in Touch With Richard P. Arthur, Divorce Attorney
Are you ready to go through with your attorney-assisted divorce? Richard P. Arthur, Attorney at Law, can help you file your divorce paperwork and negotiate the most favorable outcome. Richard P. Arthur has handled hundreds of divorce cases in the Dayton and Trotwood areas and can help you navigate this complex process. So, contact us today at 937-254-3738 for a consultation.