For many, one of the most overwhelming aspects of filing for divorce in New York is connecting with an attorney, as this can be a nerver-wracking experience. As such, many make the decision to pursue a divorce on their own. While a pro se divorce may seem like the best option, as you navigate this process, you may begin to understand why many recommend working with a Nassau County divorce lawyer to help you through these complex matters. The following blog explores what you should know before pursuing a divorce without an attorney.
What Is a Pro Se Divorce?
A pro se divorce, in its nature, is one in which the petitioner represents themselves when filing. The term “pro se” is Latin and translates to “for oneself.” As such, when you file a pro se divorce, you forego your right to work with an attorney and instead handle the filing by yourself. This process is also commonly called a “pro se” divorce.
As a result of the technological boom of the early 2000s, information regarding filing a divorce on your own has become much more accessible, with many websites even posting forms that the petitioner can file with the local court to initiate the divorce process.
Why Should I Work With an Attorney?
Unfortunately, many people assume that pursuing a pro se divorce is in their best interest because it can avoid lawyer fees. However, when you forego working with a lawyer, you’ll find that it can cost you in the long run, as you may make mistakes that can impact your finances for years following your divorce.
One of the most common errors people make when filing for divorce on their own is failing to accurately inventory their assets and calculate their expenses. A significant portion of the divorce process is compiling a list of all assets, marital and separate, so they can be divided between the spouses. As such, if you fail to accurately inventory all assets, you may not receive a fair split of the property. Additionally, if you do not accurately calculate your monthly expenses, it can impact how much you pay or receive in support. Ensuring you have the guidance of an attorney is critical to ensure the distribution of assets and support totals are fair and reflect your financial circumstances.
Additionally, working with an attorney is critical as filing can be incredibly tedious, and you may make errors when filing that can impact the outcome of your filing. Making errors during this process can not only cause uneccesaary delays bt can negatively impact the outcome of your divorce,, as committing important information can result in you receiving unfavorable terms and conditions.
As you can see, pursuing a pro se divorce can lead to a number of errors that result in a less than favorable outcome during your divorce. That is why it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney to help guide yout hrough this process. At Barrows Levy PLLC we understand how complicated getting a divorce can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you recover the compensation you deserve during these difficult times. When you need help, contact our team today.
