Possible to divorce without lawyers?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2005
Possible to divorce without lawyers?
1
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 4:44pm

Hi there,

I've been busy since I last wrote--SBTX moved out last week, got his own apartment and I remain in the house with my son. We are currently working writing up an agreement as to what the terms of our divorce will be (custody, visitation, spousal and child support). We have agreed on everything so far and I have also consulted with two lawyers to learn my rights. However, we both would like to avoid having lawyers involved and even mediation if possible.

Has anyone attempted getting divorced without hiring a lawyer? From everything I have read it seems possible but I would like to hear from anyone with experience.

Thanks,
Robin in California

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 5:27pm
I was D 3 years ago and found the process of a D without a lawyer pretty easy. HOWEVER, X and i had no assets to split. I was happy to be rid of my X but found out that without a lawyer there are some things they cannot rule on. We also have a DS together and X wouldn't show up for the D hearings. I had to settle for Child support at a much much lower rate than what i knew X made since i couldn't prove it. Also our custody is very vague. In FL, where i'm from, each parent is required to take a parenting class before D. i took it X didn't. his visitation was to start only after he took the class. he never took it and i figured with his record a 2 hour class wasn't going to help him parent better so visitation started. The decree states X get's DS every other weekend and has to provide transportation. It doesn't say anything else. Nothing about holidays or summers or father's day. It also doesn't say anything about who provides health care for our DS or who pays for Co-pays. so i pay for everything. IF my X had dropped off the face of the earth this arrangement would have been perfect. i have not been that lucky, yet.
I would suggest IF you can afford a lawyer, or even a paralegal GET ONE. I wish i had, but then again i couldn't afford one then or now.
best of luck