What Happens if I Get Divorced Without a Lawyer? | IL

 Posted on August 29,2024 in Family Law

Many people think about getting divorced without a lawyer to save money and time. While this is possible, it can lead to serious problems. Without a lawyer, you might struggle to understand your legal rights, divide your assets fairly, or address important issues like child custody and child support. 

The decisions you make during a divorce can affect your finances and family life for years, so it is important to understand what you are risking if you choose to go through the process without legal help. Call our friendly, experienced Texas divorce lawyer at Law Office of Russ Alan Baker, PLLC to learn more. 

Why Do People Get Divorced Without a Lawyer?

People often think about getting divorced without a lawyer for a few reasons. One of the main reasons is to save money. Divorce can be expensive, especially if it involves hiring a lawyer. Some people believe that if their divorce is straightforward, they can handle the paperwork and negotiations on their own. For example, if a couple agrees on how to divide their property and there are no children involved, they might feel confident enough to go through the process without legal help. In some cases, people simply want to get the divorce over with quickly and believe that skipping a lawyer will speed things up.

What Does a Lawyer Do During a Divorce?

A lawyer plays an important role during a divorce by guiding someone through the legal process and protecting that person’s rights. Here are some key things a lawyer does:

• Explains the Law: Helps a client understand the laws that apply to his or her case, such as how property should be divided and what factors influence child custody decisions.

• Handles Paperwork: Prepares and files legal documents correctly and on time.

• Negotiates Settlements: Works to reach a fair agreement with a client’s spouse on issues like dividing assets, setting up child support, and arranging visitation schedules.

• Represents Clients in Court: If a divorce goes to court, the lawyer presents a client’s case to the judge and advocates for the client’s best interests.

Using a Lawyer vs. Not Using a Lawyer During Divorce

The outcomes of a divorce can vary greatly depending on whether or not you have a lawyer. Without a lawyer, you might agree to a settlement that seems fair at first but later realize it is not in your best interest. 

For example, if you and your spouse decide to split your retirement savings evenly without understanding tax implications, you could end up with a smaller portion than expected after taxes are taken out. Likewise, without a lawyer, you might not fully understand your rights and could agree to a visitation schedule that does not give you enough time with your children. 

Issues like time with your children and your financial future are so important that you want to make sure you have the best divorce settlement possible. Once a divorce is finalized, it is almost impossible to make changes. Instead of risking many years of regrets, get ahead of the situation and talk to a lawyer. 

Contact Our Fredericksburg, TX Family Law Attorney Today

While you are not legally required to have an attorney during divorce, the chances of having a favorable divorce settlement are much higher if you do not go through divorce alone. Because the outcome of a divorce may impact you for the rest of your life, it is worth hearing your options and learning about how a Llano County, TX divorce attorney can help you. 

Our clients say Attorney Baker is easy to talk to, responsive, and truly an advocate for their interests. Call 325-216-2006 now to schedule an initial attorney meeting with the Law Office of Russ Alan Baker, PLLC. You may be surprised by what a difference our attorney can make.