Is DIY Divorce A Good Idea?

Even when a split is amicable, divorce is hardly ever easy and should not be entered into lightly. With so many divorce-related issues to consider, like alimony, property division, child custody and support, and more, the process can easily become overwhelming for someone who isn’t familiar with Colorado divorce laws. Together with the financial and emotional burdens that surround divorce cases, trying to take on a case on your own can be catastrophic. While DIY divorces are a legitimate option for those looking to resolve their situation cheaply, the drawbacks are not worth the savings.

Disadvantages of a DIY Divorce

Here are some reasons why we don’t recommend proceeding pro se in your divorce:

• Clients who represent themselves are usually unfamiliar with Colorado law and the court system. This means that they likely won’t know what to ask for (or what they are entitled to) in their divorce, which means they could end up with a less-than-favorable outcome, like receiving a disproportionate share of joint debt or receiving less support than they are really entitled to.
• Self-representing clients don’t have the advantage of an objective and impartial presentation of their case. Because the case is their own, they can only see it from a subjective point of view, which isn’t nearly as effective in a court of law.
• Experienced attorneys know not just the laws, but the court etiquette that is required to effectively present a case. Those without this kind of experience may, without meaning to, significantly slow up the process and potentially harm their case.
• Self-represented litigants will not be able to receive any legal advice from the judge or court staff, so if anything comes up, they will be on their own. Unfortunately, divorce is not something where it is a good idea to “figure it out” as you go along.

Experienced Divorce Attorneys in Colorado

You shouldn’t risk the outcome of your divorce by trying to handle it all on your own. If you are seeking a dissolution of marriage in Colorado, get in touch with one of our divorce attorneys at Modern Family Law. We have more than 100 years of combined experience providing exceptional and affordable services and are highly respected by our peers. Our goal is to help minimize conflict as much as possible in pursuit of an effective and fair solution for our clients.