Do It Yourself Divorce

If you are dissolving your marriage, you probably have some regrets. Even while processing these feelings, it is important that you don't join the many people who also have regrets about the way their divorce was handled.

There seems to be an endless array of options for ending your marriage. In addition to court, arbitration and mediation, there are more and more divorce kits, books - even options for handling it online. Here are some reasons why we think you should think carefully before selecting a "do-it-yourself" divorce:

The Law
An online divorce or any book or kit may not fully take into account all the dimensions of your individual situation in your state. Even if you and your partner agree to the terms of the divorce, you need to make sure that the final divorce decree reflects your wants and needs - and that it is legal.

People Change
Both you and your spouse made a commitment to forever, and forever did not happen. Even though both of you may now want out, it doesn't mean it's going to be easy to divvy everything up. Don't just assume that you will be able to "play nicely" until everything is finalized. While you'll want to treat your former partner with respect and dignity, it is important to protect yourself. By using a "quick fix" divorce process or by letting your spouse handle things, you are not actively managing your situation.

Appeals Happen
Divorce decrees aren't always written in stone. It is possible to contest or appeal parts of the judgment. If you haven't followed all the rules and closed all the loopholes through the divorce process, then the decision may not hold up under closer scrutiny. In order to prevent future problems, take the time to get it right the first time.

Talk to a Lawyer
Regardless of the dynamics or simplicity of your situation, we always recommend having at least an initial consultation with a lawyer to discuss your situation and to present your proposed method of action. A legal professional can help you fully understand the pros and cons of your divorce plan. For this meeting, make sure you have copies of all legal and financial documents surrounding your marriage.

Talk to a Financial Advisor
You have a new life ahead of you and it is necessary to secure your financial future before you finalize the divorce decree. If you have investments such as property, stocks or retirement plans, it would also be to your benefit to speak with a financial advisor. Although your lawyer may know some aspects of finances in divorce, he or she more than likely doesn't know enough to consider your financial future.

Bookmark with:

• Delicious
• Digg
• reddit
• StumbleUpon

Don’t know what this is?

Read the 50connect Guide To Social Bookmarking.