Are there any bad sides to going DIY??

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What are we each entitled to in our divorce settlement?

What does the law say about how to split the house, how to share pensions and other assets, and how much maintenance is payable.

What steps can we take to reach a fair agreement?

The four basic steps to reaching an agreement on divorce finances are: disclosure, getting advice, negotiating and implementing a Consent Order.

What is a Consent Order and why do we need one?

A Consent Order is a legally binding document that finalises a divorcing couple's agreement on property, pensions and other assets.

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Our consultant service offers expert advice and support to help you reach agreement on a fair financial settlement quickly, and for less than a quarter of the cost of using a traditional high street solicitor.

Fiona
Platinum Member

08 Mar 08 #16184 by Fiona

Reply from Fiona

I can't see any point of online divorce when it's possible to buy a book explaining the basics and download all the forms free and I agree when there are no children or finances it is possible to DIY. However, over the years I've seen so many people get into a mess, sometimes over small detail, it's not something I would normally recommend. And before anyone says anything, yes, I know sometimes lawyers stuff up too but in my experience it isn't nearly so often or drastic.

I think consulting a lawyer early on to find out where you stand and what your options are is a good idea. Also negotiating through a third party can be useful if you can't come to an agreement and mediation or collaborative law doesn't help. A lawyer can draft a Consent Order which once approved by the court is turned into legally binding settlement. I agree with Mike at least consider the possibility of getting legal advice as to whether your agreement is a fair one.

momof3
Senior Member

08 Mar 08 #16201 by momof3

Reply from momof3

Fiona,Thank you for this advice, I am pretty sure I WILL use a solicitor for the initial advice and PROBABLY do it myself from thereon, referring to the solicitor if I need to.

At least I am more confident after getting your responses here on wikivorce, thanks to all...

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