DIY DIVORCE , SHOULD YOU DO IT?

Do it yourself divorce (DIY)? Should you do it? Well, the short answer is no, but I think a longer explanantion is in order. The Judge's Office in Cumberland County, North Carolina provides divorce packets for individuals planning on doing their divorce themselves. The idea behind the divorce packets is to make divorce accessible to those who may not be able to afford an attorney. The fill in the blanks forms are pretty easy to understand and detailed instructions on how to file and process the divorce are provided. The idea of a DIY divorce is good, but the execution can be full of mishaps. You may deprive yourself of valuable rights by rushing into a divorce. The Divorce packet only provides for a claim to terminate the marriage. It does not provide claims for alimony or equitable distribution (property division). Most people want a fresh start after a divorce, but that may be difficult to do if there are joint assets and debts still tied to the other spouse. Other people want to trust that promises regarding financial support will be honored despite not having a court order, but there is nothing in place to enforce those promises. To avoid these missteps, you should consult with a knowledeable family law attorney. Sometimes the quickie divorce can have everlasting consequences such as no rights to alimony, no rights to military pensions or other entitlements. Let's make sure you don't make that mistake.