Filing without a lawyer costs less upfront but may lead to expensive complications later
While representing yourself in a divorce can save immediate legal fees, this approach carries significant financial risks. A do-it-yourself divorce typically works best for couples with:
- No children or custody issues
- Simple division of assets and property
- Mutual agreement on all divorce terms
- Clear understanding of their legal rights
However, mistakes in divorce documentation or overlooked legal entitlements can result in costly court proceedings to correct errors. Important considerations like pension rights, tax implications, and proper asset valuation often require professional expertise. For complex divorces involving children, significant assets, or disputed terms, the long-term financial benefits of proper legal representation typically outweigh the initial cost savings.