Utah allows the option of both fault-based (adultery, cruelty, abandonment among other grounds) and no-fault divorces. If you decide to file for a no-fault divorce, the process is fairly simple. This is true as long as you and your spouse agree on important matters, and have an adequate separation agreement. However, how easy is a do-it-yourself divorce? When should you consider hiring a Sandy divorce lawyer? In this post, we are sharing more on pros & cons of a do-it-yourself divorce in Utah.
The pros
- You can save money. People often don’t want to hire a lawyer because they fear the costs. Without an attorney, your divorce shouldn’t cost much, apart from court and related costs, such as divorce education classes.
The cons
- You don’t have legal advice. Your friends and family members may offer emotional support and help, but without a lawyer, you don’t have legal advice for your divorce – Period.
- You may not know the process. Even small issues with your divorce paperwork can delay the process by months. If you don’t know how divorce proceedings work in Utah, a lawyer is your most reliable resource.
- You may struggle with the forms and paperwork. From the initial forms to separation agreement and child custody agreement, there are numerous documents that need your attention during the divorce. When you hire an attorney, they will take care of everything.
- You may miss out on mediation. If you and your spouse don’t agree on things like child custody and alimony, you need to consider mediation. Even the courts in Utah encourage couples to come up with their own child custody agreement. With a lawyer, mediation will be much easier.
- You may not get a fair settlement. Even when you seem to agree with your spouse on important issues, you will still need advice on selected aspects. Your lawyer can keep your interests in mind and negotiate with your spouse and their lawyer accordingly. Don’t take a decision in your divorce when you are emotionally charged – That’s often a common mistake in do-it-yourself divorces.
Call an attorney
The first meeting with a divorce lawyer doesn’t have cost huge. Many attorneys even offer free initial consultation. Before you decide on a do-it-yourself divorce, consider meeting a skilled and known family law attorney, to know what they can do for you. You can also get an overview of your rights and divorce laws in Utah.