Making the decision to end a marriage is a difficult process. Many people may not want to bear the burden of these expenses. For that reason, they might consider handling the proceedings alone.
Can you get divorced without a lawyer in Ohio? Yes, you can represent yourself in these cases. But there might be better choices for your situation.
If you are not careful, you can run into legal issues and complications without the help of an attorney. Here is what you need to know about representing yourself in a divorce case.
Why You May Not Want to Hire a Lawyer
Many people choose to represent themselves in a divorce because they think they’ll save on the legal costs. Hiring a lawyer can be expensive. When choosing the pro se (self-represented) approach, they may save on fees. However, short-term savings could end up in higher costs in this case.
Some individuals want more control over the decision-making process. They can negotiate with their spouse and work towards mutually agreeable terms in these situations. Some divorcing couples might believe that conflicts could arise when using a lawyer to communicate on their behalf.
Self-representation could be appropriate if the split is amicable and the couple does not have children or assets. However, cases can always experience a few issues, even those relatively straightforward ones.
Some people want complete privacy and confidentiality in handling their divorce proceedings. If they avoid hiring legal representation, they can keep personal matters out of the public domain, since court records in divorce cases are accessible to the public.
The Disadvantages of Not Hiring Legal Help
Family law is intricate. Often, it is governed by a complex set of rules and regulations. Without legal help, individuals may overlook certain parts of the law or misunderstand their rights. In turn, that can lead to subpar results and settlements.
Along with that, self-representing individuals may have limited access to legal resources and information compared to attorneys. In turn, they may not fully know legal precedents, recent case law, and the Ohio divorce statutes.
Divorce is an emotionally taxing experience. Without that legal support, it can lead to more stress. Lawyers can also offer emotional support and guidance during this challenging period.
Self-represented spouses often overlook vital parts of the divorce settlement, such as financial details, property division, or spousal support agreements. By not properly addressing these issues, it could lead to problems in the future.
Ohio Divorce Attorneys Can Protect Your Interests
Yes, you can represent yourself in Ohio. However, the legal complexities, emotional strain, and the risk of unintended consequences are a few reasons to choose a skilled and qualified attorney for your case. While you may save on legal fees, there is a chance of mistakes that could cost you in the future.
If you want to know what other costs can be expected with a custody case in Ohio, reach out to the legal team at Axelrod Law Office in Lake County, OH. Call our office at (440) 271-8126 or submit a contact form to schedule a free, confidential legal consultation.