For many, a divorce is not only a complicated legal and financial process, but an incredibly emotional matter as well. As such, many wish to keep the details of their divorce as private as possible, even going so far as to file and pursue a divorce on their own without the assistance of an attorney. If you are interested in filing a pro se divorce, the following blog explores what you should know about this process, including why it’s in your best interest to consider working with Morristown divorce lawyers to help you during these incredibly difficult and often overwhelming issues.
What Is a Pro Se Divorce?
First and foremost, pro se is a Latin term that translates to “for oneself.” As such, any time you file a legal suit pro se, it essentially means you are representing yourself in a court of law, ultimately foregoing working with an experienced attorney.
One of the primary reasons many opt to pursue a pro se divorce is in the hopes of saving money. Working with an attorney can be expensive, and with the rise of online tutorials and walkthroughs that can explain to filers how to navigate this process, representing oneself in a divorce has become increasingly common.
It’s important to understand that while you can legally pursue a pro se filing for your New Jersey divorce, this is not recommended. Unfortunately, divorce is an incredibly complex process, and trying to navigate this on your own can lead to a litany of issues that not only impact the outcome of your case.
Why Should I Work With an Attorney Instead?
If you are interested in filing for divorce, working with an attorney during this process is paramount. Unfortunately, divorce can be an incredibly complex and nuanced legal process, and you may make errors while trying to represent yourself that result in delays or less-than-ideal outcomes. For example, you may be unsure of what assets are considered marital. As such, your spouse may end up with a better share of the property simply because you didn’t know that they weren’t the sole owner of an asset.
Additionally, you may think you’re saving money by filing on your own. However, you may be unable to successfully prove that you need spousal support, which could cost you significantly more in the long term. Legal representation becomes even more important if there are children involved, as the last thing you want is to potentially lose custody of your children because you didn’t have an experienced attorney to assist you.
As you can see, working with an experienced attorney with Leslie Law Firm, LLC is in your best interest if you’re going through a divorce. Our team understands how difficult these circumstances can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the best possible outcome for your situation. Contact us today to learn how we can represent you.
