DIY Divorce vs High-Street Solicitor - Pros and Cons
While these search results might not be a substitute for a doctor, they definitely resolve our personal dilemmas, if any, and most importantly, they reinstate our belief in self-reliance. Internet has made our daily lives so independent of externalities that we tend to want our own solutions to the problems we encounter. One such solution that stems out of such wants is a DIY divorce. A DIY divorce option is becoming increasingly popular amongst the divorce seekers today. People are increasingly using the websites that provide a plethora of information regarding divorce proceedings. These websites also provide services that help you complete your paperwork and take care of any other procedures on your behalf. Therefore, you can sit in the comfort of your own home and things related to your divorce will be taken care of while you make plans for your life ahead. Does it get any better than this? Yes, it does! These service providers are far less expensive than high-street solicitors. However, a DIY option can be exercised by people only if their divorce is uncontested i.e. if their spouse agrees to the divorce. With so many people opting for DIY divorce, one begins to question the existence of solicitors. Do we still need the solicitors to help and assist us or has Internet been able to replace them completely? Yes, you would still need your solicitor?s advice because law is a technical matter, which requires understanding of each nuance and procedural factor. DIY approach can make it very easy for you to make mistakes. Therefore, just when you want your divorce process to get over as soon as possible, one single mistake from your end can make you land back to where you started. In addition, it is important to draft your grounds for seeking divorce in an appropriate manner for the court to accept your divorce petition. Thus, even though a DIY approach seems very simple, you might still want at least a preliminary meeting with your solicitor and gain sound legal perspective of your situation. Let us understand the pros and cons of each of these options available to us to weigh our choices more carefully.
DIY Divorce vs High-Street Solicitor: How to Make Your Choice?
You will have to meet certain predetermined conditions before you opt for a DIY divorce. These conditions are as follows:
1. You will have to show that you and your partner have been through a year-long separation if you and your partner both approve and agree to the divorce or a two-year separation if you and your spouse do not agree to divorce.
2. You and your spouse should not have any outstanding disputes over property or monetary assets.
3. You and your partner should be of sound mental health and there should be no indication otherwise.
4. There are no children under the age of 16.
5. There should be no other court proceeding taking place that might result in ending your marriage.
Alternatively, if you have children under the age of 16, or matters of property dispute, then seeking a solicitor?s help would be your best bet.
A solicitor?s advice and his experience in legal matters will help you immensely if monetary issues are of concern during the time you seek divorce. The solicitor will be able to tell you more about your options and how you can best utilize these options to your advantage. However, if you opt for a DIY divorce, then you cannot apply for money i.e. you cannot ask for any periodic allowance (maintenance) or a capital sum (lump sum). You cannot change your decision about the lump sum once your divorce is final. However, you can seek the help of a solicitor to make any changes in your decision about the periodic allowance. Therefore, it would make sense to hire the services of a solicitor if you would require money from division of property, or if you will be financially dependant on your spouse after the divorce and would require a regular payment amount.
Many people opt for DIY divorce because of the low costs involved. The court fee for a DIY divorce costs approximately 62 pounds. However, other costs such as cost of additional procedures should be factored in, whereas the costs involved in hiring a high-street solicitor can be extremely high.
Very often people have disputes over child custody. In such circumstances, it would be best to take your solicitor?s advice because this is where you need the services of a professional to tackle this delicate issue in court proceedings. Opting for a DIY divorce in such cases can cloud your judgment because of your emotional perspective and any negative decision in the court can impact your life forever.
James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. For more information on getting a Divorce see http://www.quickie-divorce.com
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