These days, it can be very easy to solve our problems by browsing the Internet. We can find answers to complicated math problems, recipes for a fast and easy dinner, reviews on products to help us make a purchase and instructions with how to repair a broken toilet.
However, solving the problems associated with divorce can be much more complicated than clicking through some websites. Trying to get divorced online can be compared to trying to diagnose yourself with a medical condition online: It may seem cheaper, easier and faster, but ultimately, it can make your situation much more difficult.
To begin with, there is a lot of information out there; some of it is accurate, some of it is not. In many cases, people don’t know enough about their situation, their rights or the laws in their state to know which is which. Much of the legal advice online is outdated, riddled with inaccuracies, and sometimes promotive of just one parent’s experience. Further, family law is state specific and in many ways, county specific as well.
Without a personal exchange with an attorney, you may not know whether the decisions you are making have taken all relevant factors into account, just like you may diagnose yourself with a cold without knowing that details of your medical history would suggest a more serious diagnosis. Without the appropriate training and background, you won’t necessarily know what questions to ask to get a full, accurate picture of your situation.
Finally, if you make a mistake, the consequences can be quite costly. A self-diagnosis can result in delayed treatment or solutions that may ultimately make you feel worse. In terms of a divorce, you may learn after a divorce is finalized that you agreed to pay off a debt that you shouldn’t have or relinquished an asset that you had rights to. Trying to fix the situation can be enormously complicated.
Thankfully, just like you can discuss medical concerns with a doctor, you can discuss your legal concerns with an attorney.
Whether you think you need a lot of support or you just have a few questions to ask, discussing your specific situation with an attorney can be crucial in helping you make well-informed decisions and get some peace of mind in knowing you have your bases covered. Even if you decide to represent yourself, it is worth the minimal investment of a consultation with an attorney that can give you a brief overview of the process, let you know what to expect, what your options are, and what you need to remain aware of. For more information on how our law firm may be able to help you approach your divorce, please visit our family law website.