Representing Yourself In Divorce
Most divorce lawyers are expensive. Their hourly rates usually run between $100 and $600. Rates are commensurate with a lawyer’s experience, reputation, location (i.e. New York City), and sometimes, their egos. If your divorce involves millions of dollars, and your husband has hired a bulldog lawyer, buying your own bulldog for $600 an hour may be justified. If on the other hand, yours is a simple divorce without children or property, representing yourself with your pet bird on your shoulder, may seem logical.
There are innumerable online resources where you can find free state divorce forms, state divorce laws, and legal dictionaries to help make sense of it all. There are also a variety of private companies that allow you to complete legal forms online for a fee.
Assistance for self represented litigants may also be found through local agencies, if you qualify. Criteria considered for qualification varies, but may include income, age, domestic violence, ethnicity, medical conditions, and sexual orientation. LawHelp.org is a great portal for locating these resources in your State. Another great online source of information for Pro Se women is shlep: Self Help Law Express (discussed in our January 12, 2007 posting below).
With free forms, legal how-to manuals, and easy access to the courts, representing yourself has probably never been easier than it is today. We commend anyone willing to take on this adventure. We also recommend you speak with a lawyer before drafting divorce documents and again, before submission to the court. Do this to ensure you don’t unknowingly waive any legal rights, and to confirm your documents are completely and accurately filled out. If you need help finding a lawyer, use our Tips For Choosing A Lawyer.
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Posted by ModDiva on January 16th, 2007 filed in Self Help |
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