Should I use an attorney for my divorce?
Friday, February 22nd, 2008 at
3:31 am
SolarRain asked:
I look on Craigslist for divorce attorneys that are cheap. I found one lady, she is not an attorney… but files the papers and talks as smart as one. Should I use her? She said she has excellent references and everything an attorney does.
Have one child, 18 months old. No property. College students.
I look on Craigslist for divorce attorneys that are cheap. I found one lady, she is not an attorney… but files the papers and talks as smart as one. Should I use her? She said she has excellent references and everything an attorney does.
Have one child, 18 months old. No property. College students.
If your divorce is amicable, you don’t have children, and there won’t be disputes over property or support, then you may not need an attorney. Many people handle their own divorces. But, if any of the above are not true in your case, then I’d advise getting an attorney–and cheapest is not the criterion you should use.
I can’t tell you whether the person you found on Cragslist is reputable.
MORE: Because you have a child, I strongly suggest you use an attorney. If you are both in agreement about terms of custody and support (child and spousal), you may even be able to use the same attorney to write up an agreement for you. That would cut costs.
If you want something that you can trust, I strongly recommend that you get an attorney. Please!
If you and your ex are on speaking terms I recommend finding a mediator. I just did this and saved so much money.
A mediator is a lawyer who helps the couple agree to the terms of the divorce and helps file all the paperwork. They do no represent either side but will help you understand the laws and inform you what is usual and customary.
This won’t work if you have major disagreements or cannot talk things over civilly. It also won’t work if your ex is a bully or manipulates you.
I would avoid going to a non-lawyer. You may end up paying way more in the end if this person messes up.
Good luck.
Eight years ago,my son and wife decided to divorce and she said they could do it themselves and have a non lawyer look at it to make sure everything was ok. They have 2 childdren and right now my son has spend thousands and is not done yet. She wants full custody of the kids and have been fighting for 1 year and goes back to court in January. Be very careful, down the line, they may change heir minds on what they want and if it is not worded perfectly, you have big problems.
find a very good lawyer. start askn around. get one that will give you a total price up front. about 5 thousand dollars. why? becuse when people call it quits, anger kicks in, love turns to anger and revenge. keep it fair for all, but get a good local lawyer. its a lot of money, but you wont regret it. your lawyer works for you. so things can go as you want. as easy as he makes it you make it.he gets tough your lawyer is there. it needs to be fair for both