Completing a divorce yourself may sound like an appealing option. In theory, it’s cheaper, you don’t have to deal with lawyers, and you can apply for it online. Especially with the no-fault divorce going into effect – it’s never been easier to get divorced.
But can it really be that simple? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Family law is a very complicated subject and it’s easy to make mistakes without even being aware of them.
In this blog, we’re going to cover potential risks that you may face if you go through a DIY divorce.
What should you consider?
When divorcing, there is a mountain of things to consider and decide on. Whether it’s about inheritance, assets, or children – making informed decisions without legal advice is hard.
Firstly, any potential inheritance that is not written in a Will, won’t matter anymore. It’s a similar case with pensions. If you divorce you may not be entitled to your ex’s pension & benefits.
It’s hard to grasp the full picture of divorce implications without professional advice. Even if you’re careful about lawyer fees, hiring someone like Fair-Result will provide you with a fixed fee. Which can help you manage divorce expenses more effectively as well as reduce stress.
When can a DIY divorce be a good idea?
Essentially, for DIY divorce to be a viable option – both parties need to be in an agreement and have minimal financial assets. In cases like these, DIY divorce is not a far-fetched reality.
Considering that by doing it yourself you can save money on lawyer fees. Although the moment there are any complications or if you’re looking to future-proof your divorce – not having a solicitor by your side puts you at a significant disadvantage.
Besides that, you also need to think about the children and what will happen to them if there is no predetermined co-parenting agreement.
Drawbacks of DIY divorce
Lack of information can lead to mistakes
Family law is a complicated area and without an experienced solicitor there to help you digest all the legal jargon you may miss important details. Even if you can find most of the information online, there is no guarantee that it will be easy to understand or will provide you with all that you need.
Additionally, lacking knowledge of the entire divorce process as well as how to protect your finances can backfire, if your ex is not completely cooperative.
Moreover, divorce is a permanent decision. This means that any mistakes made throughout the process can be extremely difficult, expensive, or even impossible to undo. That is especially relevant for complicated divorces, where financial assets are a significant part of it.
Additionally, without legal advice, reaching fair results in negotiations can prove to be overly complicated. Not to mention cases where your ex-spouse has a solicitor, but you don’t. It’s crucial to make sure your financial assets are future-proofed as well as split any joint debts fairly.
Moreover, legal support can be extremely helpful in settling matters involving children. Considering how emotional and stressful this topic can be, having an experienced solicitor can help you find the best solution for your children.
Achieving a fair settlement
A fair settlement in divorce can sound easier to achieve than it is. The reality of financial settlements is that a lot of couples start disagreeing at this stage. After all, it’s directly related to money and how financially secure a spouse will be after the divorce.
Gaining legal and financial advice can not only help you save time but also guarantee your financial security post-divorce. Without missing any crucial details.
Possibility of hidden fees and delays
First and foremost, there are other hidden fees besides the £593 court fee. And it doesn’t matter whether you have a solicitor or not.
Additionally, without complete knowledge of the divorce process, it’s easy to miss important paperwork. Which can result in significant delays in the divorce – in turn costing you more money.
Financial order
Whether you have significant joint assets or not, filing a financial order is needed to future-proof your assets. It prevents your ex-spouse from making a claim on your assets after the divorce is finished.
Additionally, divorce affects pension and inheritance. For example, if you get an inheritance after a divorce but don’t have a good financial order, your ex could file a claim on it.
With legal help, you can avoid any risks. A qualified solicitor will file a complete financial agreement and ensure that all your current and future assets are protected.
Potential emotional stress
If you decide to go through a DIY divorce, a lack of knowledge can add stress to an already overwhelming situation. Whilst a professional solicitor can guide you through every step of the divorce process and help you make the right decisions. This can reduce stress and make you more confident of the outcome.
Moreover, hiring a solicitor will guarantee that you won’t miss or overlook anything important. Resulting in a smoother overall process.
Key Takeaways
It’s clear to see why a lot of couples decide to go through a DIY divorce.
Whether it’s to avoid lawyer fees or thinking it will be easier. But you should keep in mind that without legal advice, you’re putting even more money at risk. A financial settlement can go wrong or a claim on your assets can be made in the future.
Legal advice is a must when things in question are as important as children and future financial well-being.
