If you are facing an upcoming divorce, one of the important decisions you will have to make is to hire an attorney for your case or represent yourself. Before you come to a conclusion, it is best to consider the risks of representing yourself. To learn these risks and more, continue reading.
What are the risks of representing yourself during asset division?
There are various steps in a divorce that require number crunching and extensive knowledge to avoid mistakes. The following steps in your divorce must be completed with thorough analysis:
- Dividing complex assets such as stock portfolios and retirement plans
- Determining tax ramifications
- Running child support and alimony formulas
You must also consider the fact that if your spouse hires an attorney while you are representing yourself, their attorney’s experience and training in divorce finances and asset division may give them a significant upper hand. You may lack the knowledge to properly evaluate an offer from their attorney which may jeopardize your future. You may face financial distress in the form of unfair support payments or missed asset opportunities.
What are the risks of representing yourself during custody disagreements?
Resolving custody negotiations on your own may result in the following common mistakes:
- You may be vulnerable to false accusations: You may not be equipped to defend yourself against false accusations if your spouse lies to the court about your character. An attorney will build a strong case to expose this dishonesty.
- Failing to recognize the meaning of sole legal custody: A common mistake that spouses who are representing themselves may make is failing to recognize the meaning of sole legal custody. For example, if your spouse’s attorney offers shared physical custody and sole legal custody for their client, you must understand that by agreeing to this, you will no longer have a say in important life decisions for your child including topics such as schooling, religious upbringing, medical care, and more.
- You may not be in the right mindset: It can be easy to let your emotions get in the way if you are representing yourself in a divorce case. This is likely the most personal and complex legal matter you will ever have to face in your lifetime. Having an attorney in your corner will advocate for you and be your voice when matters get tough.
Contact our experienced Summit divorce attorneys to learn more about how we can assist you with your upcoming case.
Contact our Firm
Ross and Calandrillo, LLC is a full-service divorce, family, and real estate law firm located in Mountainside, New Jersey. For strong legal representation in all of your divorce or family law matters, contact Ross and Calandrillo, LLC to schedule a consultation.