Are There Cons To Filing Divorce Pro Se?
The term "pro se" is Latin for "on one's own behalf" or "for oneself," and pro se divorce proceedings have become especially common among couples who have no major disputes and want to complete their filings for a minimal amount of money. While these types of divorces can be beneficial for spouses that are committed to a mutually satisfying settlement, proceeding pro se can have enormous consequences for several other individuals.
Without the help of an experienced divorce attorney, you may risk any one of the following problems:
- Health Impact of Emotional Issues — Very few people are familiar with the court rules and requirements involved in divorce. As a result, a person attempting to file for divorce without legal representation incurs a tremendous amount of stress when trying to complete the necessary paperwork and meet various deadlines. The divorce process in general can not only cause a lack of sleep that adversely affects a person's blood pressure, but other highly important issues can get overlooked if a spouse concentrates too much on matters of lesser importance that have been impacted by emotion.
- Paperwork Problems — Some couples believe that filing divorce pro se will help their case be resolved as quickly as possible. However, there is a tremendous amount of complex forms with rigid requirements that need to properly completed, and failing to do this properly can result in a case being rejected.
- Settlement Dissatisfaction — When spouses attempt to quickly file cases on their own, they run the risk of agreeing to settle issues without fully appreciating the consequences. In matters relating to division of property or finances, a spouse who does not have legal representation may enter an agreement that he or she only realizes later on was not in his or her best interest.
- Voice Goes Unheard — A spouse who does not have a divorce lawyer may find that his or her concerns are not being addressed by the court. The best way for people filing divorce to ensure that all issues of importance are given their due time is to have legal counsel.
- Unforeseen Consequences — All couples need to keep in mind that pro se divorces are just as legally binding as cases that are handled by attorneys. This means that if either side makes a costly mistake in regards to child support, property taxes, or other financial issues, such errors are not only difficult to correct but can also be extremely costly.
If you are preparing to file for divorce, it can be tempting to think that you are saving a lot of money by not hiring a lawyer. However, you should fully consider whether saving that money now is worth the possibly significant financial amount you stand to lose over the remainder of your lifetime as the result of a smaller settlement.
Do not take any chances with a pro se filing. Contact a knowledgeable divorce attorney at the Law Office of Jared T. Amos who can review your case and make sure that your case is handled correctly from the very beginning.
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