| |
| |
|
Divorce Information |
|
|
|
Advantages to Doing Your Own Divorce
There are many advantages to doing your own divorce. Three significant ones are: you'll get a better divorce, you'll save a lot of money, and you'll be able to keep things simple. Getting a good divorce Studies show that active participation in your divorce is the single most important factor in getting a good divorce. "Good divorce" means such things as better compliance with agreements and orders after the divorce, less post-divorce conflict, less post-divorce litigation, more good will, and better co-parenting. People who take an active role generally do much better emotionally and legally than those who try to avoid the work and responsibility for solving their divorce problems. This doesn't mean you shouldn't get help from an attorney--it means you should be actively involved, become informed about the rules and make your own decisions. Put yourself in charge of your case; run your own life. Saving a Lot of Money When a lawyer is in charge of your case, even simple, unopposed cases cost a lot, and if your case becomes stirred up through increased conflict, the cost goes even higher. Most lawyers collect a fairly stiff fee for doing even a simple uncontested divorce. They average anywhere from $500 to $5000 for doing a job that is quite simple and that is usually done by an underpaid secretary anyway. Whether you pay the usual fee, or find a cut-rate deal, lawyers tend not to give you much time or information. Rarely, if ever, do you get to speak with the lawyer, and then only briefly. You almost always end up wondering what's going on, but there is no one to talk to about it. You can save this aggravation, and save at least $500 to $1500 by doing it yourself, and probably much more. In some states, a simple divorce can cost anywhere from $2000 to $5000 per party who has retained an attorney, and a contested case can cost hundreds of thousands on each side. Keeping it simple Most people start off with a case that is either fairly simple or one that could probably become simple if it is handled right. Such cases don't usually stay simple after an attorney is retained. Divorces tend to be fairly sensitive and it doesn't take much to stir them up, but lawyers have a way of making almost anything more complicated, more stirred up, worse instead of better. This is because of the way lawyers are trained and the way the system works. When one spouse gets an attorney, the other spouse is likely to get one too, and then the fun really begins. Two attorneys start off costing just double, but pretty soon they are writing letters, filing motions, and doing standard attorney-type things, just like they were taught. Now we have a contested case, more fees and charges, and a couple of very upset spouses. In the end, you will still have to negotiate your settlement with your spouse. Over 90% of all cases settle without trial, but when lawyers are retained, settlement usually comes after the spouses are emotionally depleted and their bank accounts are exhausted. Why go through all that? If you do it entirely by yourself, or with the help of a carefully selected attorney who has not taken over your entire case, there's a much better chance of keeping a simple case simple and of
reaching a settlement much earlier.
Ed Sherman is a family law attorney, divorce expert, and founder of Nolo Press. He started the self-help law movement in 1971 when he published the first edition of How to Do Your Own Divorce, and founded the paralegal industry in 1973. With more than a million books sold, Ed has saved the public billions of dollars in legal fees while making divorce go more smoothly and easily for millions of readers. You can order his books from http://www.nolodivorce.com or by calling (800) 464-5502.
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Guide To Reducing The Cost Of Divorce Seven Tips to help you keep more of your money at a time when you especially need it to support two households instead of one.Educate yourself. Healing Dysfunctional Families In a recent article entitled "Some Evidence On How We Are Spiritually Connected" I reported on a case study that revealed how individuals who share common traumatic memories can help each other release the trauma at a distance employing a new tool called the Mind Resonance Process(TM). In this article I will elaborate some of the potential applications of such a result as well as its far reaching implications. Houston Divorce Lawyer - West Houston Attorney Answers Common Questions About Mediation If you are reading this, then you are probably either thinking of filing for divorce -- or have a feeling that your spouse may be filing for divorce -- whether you want to separate or not.One of the common questions that an individual going through the divorce process asks is "What is a Divorce Mediation?"Mediation is a process which allows both you and your spouse to maintain control over your destiny and the terms of your divorce settlement. Divorce--How the Legal System Works Against You If there were no legal system, no lawyers and no courts, divorce would still be difficult and it would still take time to go through it. Divorce is at least a major crossroad in your life, maybe even a full-blown life crisis. Dating Tips for Divorced and Widowed Moms Dating is tough for just about everybody, but it's even tougher for people who are divorced and widowed. Along with the fears of being "out of practice," there are often children's feelings to consider. 10 Ways to Keep Divorce Lawyers From Ruining Your Life Everyone has heard the story (from friends, co-workers, and family members) of the divorce from hell; the one that grinds on for years, costs untold thousands of dollars, and frustratingly plods its way through the court system. It costs people not only their marriage, but often their children, their savings, and their emotional well-being, as well. How to Use a Divorce Lawyer You want three things in your divorce attorney: expertise in divorce, reliability, and a good attitude. You want a lawyer who specializes in divorce (at least 50% of his/her case load), and unless you're expecting a no-holds-barred battle, you want a lawyer trained in divorce mediation who practices it professionally. Is Your Marriage Problem Severe Enough To Warrant Getting A Divorce? Having a marriage problem can be agonizing especially if you're trying to do all you can to make your marriage work. Depending on how your marriage was prior to thinking that you had a marriage problem, you could be in for a hurtful time if you don't take a step back and look at your marriage problem from a "helicopter" viewpoint. 5 Things To Do Before You Even Think About Getting A Divorce There are many steps to take to protect yourself in a divorce. This article will get you started. Contested And Uncontested Divorce A divorce case is contested if the parties cannot agree on every one of the issues involved in their particular situation. Common areas of disagreement include, but are not limited to: grounds for divorce, custody of the children, visitation rights, division of the assets of the marriage, child support, maintenance (alimony), payment of family debts, contribution toward educational expenses (college or parochial), payment of health insurance for the dependent spouse, income tax structuring, etcWhen a divorce case is filed, it is given an identification number and is deemed by the court to be a matter that will ultimately require trial time in order to resolve all issues. Things To Consider When Making A Decision About Divorce When making a divorce decision, there are quite a few things that you should consider. Too often people find themselves unable to clearly identify what they need to think about when making a divorce decision which leads to further indecision and frustration. Effects of Divorce on Children When a couple decides their marriage is over, a tremendous sense of grief and relief are felt. A recently divorced person will feel grief over the loss of their marriage and the loss of their partner in life. Avoid Lawyers! Do-It-Yourself Divorce Saved Me Tons of Money! Let me preface this by saying right up front - this is NOT for everyone. The key is that my situation was friendly enough to still communicate with each other after we split. Deciding on Divorce: How to Know You are Making the Right Choice It's a well known fact that in this day and age most marriages end up in divorce. When confronted with the possibility of "throwing a relationship away", you'll probably experience a lot of stress. Should I Get Divorced? Or Not? No one besides you can determine whether or not a divorce is right for you! But, there are some general questions which pretty much apply to everybody. Thinking about the following issues may help you answer this question for yourself!What specifically is making you think of divorce?Physical AbuseIf your spouse is violent to you and/or your kids, this is a safety issue. Rebuilding Your Life from the Ashes One peculiar feature of a stepfamily is that they are built on a negative foundation. A stepfamily couple comes to their new home with a full set of baggage, containing memories, wounds, and habits. How to Recover From Divorce As a licensed mental health professional, I work with many individuals, couples, and families who are affected by divorce. I have developed this list of survival strategies for people who are experiencing divorce. Post-Divorce Alimony in Texas This article provides a brief overview on Texas law concerning post-divorce alimony in Texas. Laws differ from state to state and individual circumstances vary, so you should consult with a qualified family law attorney in your area for specific advice on your particular situation. Divorce--Getting Legal Help Without Paying Exorbitant Attorneys Fees Ignorance is the most common trap in the business of divorce, so becoming informed is crucial. However, friends, relatives and "common knowledge" are the worst and most expensive sources of advice. Seven Sets of Documents You Need For Your Divorce Even if you believe your case will ultimately be agreed to and settled without a trial, you will be in a much better position if you already have the relevant documents in your possession. Better safe than sorry.
|
| Online Divorce Advice for California Legal, financial and self-help info guides clients through the complex maze of divorce with expert advice, information, mediation services, books and a guide to local resources. www.cadivorce.com MOMND Divorce Lawyers Nationally prominent Dallas family lawyers, MOMND is a formidable ally to those facing divorce. Site contains a wealth of info and links about divorce, child custody and adoption. www.momnd.com Stop Your Divorce Stop your divorce or lover's rejection - even when you're the only one who wants to stop it and it seems hopeless…Click here. www.stopyourdivorce.com Premium Online Divorce Advice, $199 Everything created immediately online. 110% guarantee. Seen, CNN and NY Times. No waiting days or weeks for your documents. All for the price of one hour of attorney’s fees. www.ourdivorceagreement.com California Divorce Attorneys American and California State Bar certified lawyer referral service may help you find experienced family law attorneys for divorce, child custody, legal separation, child support and more. www.family-lawyer-referral.com Divorce Advice - Get Online Help Therapists available live via chat or e-mail. Personal counseling 24/7. www.kasamba.com Divorce Psychic Advice 1st time caller specials. $10 for 10 minutes. Private and easy. Top rated psychics specializing in relationship, love and marital issues. Get answers now, 24/7, credit card accepted. www.hollywoodpsychics.com Discover How to Stop a Divorce Now Even if you have lost all hope, you are the only one who wants to try and, interestingly, even if your situation seems unique. What you are about to find out may surprise you. www.savemymarriagenow.com Women, Protect Yourself in a Divorce $47 Women - learn the secrets that guarantee you a successful divorce without reducing your lifestyle? Step-by-step guide shows you how to plan your escape in advance. Advice for women only. Fast and Easy Divorce Advice Our family law attorneys will begin working with you today to help you get a fast and easy divorce, for less than $40. Click now to get the help you need. www.legalhelprightnow.org Divorce Advice for Moms Moms, get divorce advice and connect with other moms. Join free today. www.clubmom.com Divorce Software and Advice File for divorce without the expense of an attorney. $49.95. Complete forms, comprehensive instructions for No Fault Divorce/Dissolution without children. Legal and valid in all states. www.standardlegal.com MOMND Divorce Lawyers Nationally prominent Dallas family lawyers, MOMND is a formidable ally to those facing divorce. Site contains a wealth of info and links about divorce, child custody and adoption. www.momnd.com (Advertiser's Max Bid: $2.26) Need a Divorce Lawyer? Find a local lawyer confidently using Martindale-Hubbell's lawyers.com. www.lawyers.com (Advertiser's Max Bid: $2.25) Divorce Lawyer LegalMatch searches for the right family attorney in your area. Attorneys are pre-screened and qualified, complete with ratings and resumes. www.legalmatch.com (Advertiser's Max Bid: $1.02) Less Lawyer - Premium Web Divorce $199 Everything created immediately online. 110% guarantee. Seen, CNN and NY Times. No waiting days or weeks for your documents. All for the price of one hour of attorney’s fees. www.ourdivorceagreement.com Divorce Lawyers Learn about family law from a divorce lawyer in your area. www.familylawlawyershop.com California Lawyer Referral Service Free case review. Service certified by the California and American Bar Associations will refer you to prescreened lawyers in most areas of law, including divorce. www.getareferral.com Divorce Lawyer Our family law attorneys will begin working with you today to help you get a fast and easy divorce, for less than $40. Click now to get the help you need. www.legalhelprightnow.org Divorce Lawyer Search Top Lawyers of America site to find a lawyer or law firm in your city. Get legal information about divorce, real estate, immigration, personal injury. www.toplawyersofamerica.com home | site map |
| © 2006 |
