Dangers of a Pro Se Divorce

The majority of divorcing spouses hire attorneys to represent them. There are thousands of laws involved in this legal procedure making it incredibly difficult for the average person to understand. Despite the complicated nature of divorce, some people still choose to represent themselves. There are a variety of reasons why a person might choose to represent him or herself. When an individual becomes their own representation, they will be considered a “pro se” litigant.

Even if a couple is going through an amicable separation with an uncontested divorce, attorneys are still typically hired. There are many legal documents that must be appropriately filed before a divorce is legal and complete. A divorce attorney handles these requirements to ensure that the divorce is able to proceed. This can save the individual hours of tiresome work and stress.

If a settlement cannot be reached, the couple will be forced to go to court. If this occurs, it can be particularly dangerous to lack representation. If the other side has an experienced attorney, they will most likely have a more thoroughly researched case and might be able to expose any weaknesses in yours. A judge will not have pity on someone representing themselves. If they can’t find ways to defend themselves, they may not get what they are looking for, be it property or cash, in a settlement. Therefore the money saved by not hiring an attorney may be lost in an unbalanced settlement. Additionally, a divorce can be an incredibly stressful process, and having an experienced attorney on your side can bring you incredible peace of mind during this difficult time.

If you are considering a pro se divorce, visit the website of the San Diego divorce attorneys of Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP.