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The Unseen Costs of DIY Divorces: Why Professional Guidance Matters

If you’ve decided that it’s time to end your marriage and start a new chapter, you’ve probably already come to terms with the fact that many areas of your life will soon go through a significant transformation. You may experience extreme shifts when it comes to your emotional well-being, spend less time with your kids than you used to, or find yourself abandoning old hobbies and picking up new ones. 

Most substantially, your finances will be heavily impacted as you and your spouse divide your assets and debt, your income (likely) decreases, and your lifestyle changes overall. It’s natural for all of these uncertainties to leave you feeling anxious about your financial stability, both now and in the future, so you may be looking for quick ways to save a buck – perhaps even foregoing hiring a lawyer.

This is commonly referred to as a “DIY” divorce, and the benefits can be quite appealing from the outside: costs are kept low, the process seems simplified, and you think that you remain in control of it all. However, this approach often comes with a host of hidden costs and risks, so it’s important that you have the full picture of those drawbacks before you make your final decision. After all, it’s very hard, if not impossible in some situations, to go back later and try to correct the mistakes you made during your divorce. 

While pursuing a divorce without legal representation may seem like a way to save money, this blog will help reveal the bigger picture of how it could ultimately cost you far more in the long run, and why the guidance of a skilled and experienced divorce lawyer is invaluable when it comes to your future. 

The Financial Pitfalls of DIY Divorces

Of course, divorce – in and of itself – involves many major financial transactions, especially pertaining to your assets and debt, your tax status, and your income. When you choose not to hire a divorce attorney to protect your interests, you run the risk of falling victim to common mistakes such as:

  • Miscalculations in property division – An experienced divorce attorney has likely handled hundreds of divorce cases of varying levels of complexity and with their own unique circumstances. This experience allows them to have a unique advantage when it comes to analyzing a couple’s assets and debts and determining what a fair division would look like. Here in Texas, we operate under community property laws, meaning all marital property and debt is divided fairly equally  upon divorce, but the law doesn’t specify what each spouse’s fair share consists of. In some circumstances, there may be justification for an unequal split in your favor. A skilled attorney can help couples craft favorable resolutions when it comes to dividing their property. 

On the other hand, in some rare cases, one spouse may be trying to hide assets or spend them down, which is not legal but still often attempted. A divorce attorney may recognize the signs of a spouse who is not being forthcoming about their finances and bring in a financial professional to investigate and ensure that all assets are accounted for, and accurately valued. 

In short, a divorce attorney is more equipped to help you protect your financial interests and craft a robust strategy to target the results you’re seeking. 

  • Tax consequences – Skilled divorce attorneys are also able to help their clients understand the potential tax consequences of certain divorce outcomes, especially those associated with selling assets or dividing retirement accounts. Sometimes, what may seem like a good deal in the moment may come back to bite you during tax season, so this forethought is immensely valuable. 
  • Inequitable child support and/or spousal support arrangements – Child support and/or alimony (which is called spousal support in Texas) can be critical to your financial stability post-divorce, and without an attorney there to advocate for you, you may not end up in an arrangement that is fair or that benefits you as well as it could. 
  • Costly court revisions – As already stated, errors made during the divorce process are incredibly difficult to correct after the fact, and incredibly costly. It’s in your best interests to work with a divorce attorney who can fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf the first time around. 

The Emotional Toll of Bearing the Burden of Divorce Alone

While divorce leans heavily into the financial, there’s no ignoring the emotional aspects; everyone will face different emotions at an intense – and often even overwhelming – level. When you choose to navigate the legal system alone, this stress and confusion can all be amplified, and eventually even lead to emotional burnout. When you have an attorney by your side who can not only help you navigate the complex Texas family court system effectively, but empathize with the emotional toll divorce can take on a person, your experience will likely be vastly different than if you attempted to DIY your divorce. 

Moreover, a lack of professional legal guidance can often also lead to increased conflict, as there is no neutral party there to help you remain calm and level headed, and avoid escalating disagreements that drag your case out. Experienced divorce attorneys, as well as divorce mediators, can make a significant impact when it comes to diffusing tension and fostering cooperation, helping you achieve a much faster, amicable resolution. 

The Legal Risks of DIY Divorces

Finally, the major risk of attempting to end your marriage without an attorney are the numerous legal dilemmas that could arise. The most common legal pitfalls include:

  • Incomplete or invalid agreements – As you can imagine, there is a lot of paperwork involved in a divorce, and when those documents are not completed correctly or fully, it can lead to delays and other legal complications.
  • Overlooked legal rights – Without legal representation to protect your rights, you may unknowingly waive them or risk having them violated, especially when it comes to issues like spousal support, custody, or asset division. 
  • Difficulty enforcing agreements – Another risk when it comes to your legal agreements is that they could be poorly drafted, leading to a lack of enforceability down the road if your former spouse ever stops complying with them. 

When The Stakes Are This High, Professional Guidance Is The Key To A Bright Post-Divorce Future. Contact De Ford Law Firm Today To Learn How You Can Get Peace Of Mind

Before you decide to DIY your divorce, it’s critical that you’re aware of these hidden financial, emotional, and legal risks, as you’ll realize the stakes are simply too high to risk going it alone. Our skilled and experienced divorce attorneys at De Ford Law Firm have over 50 years of collective practical experience guiding clients through the complex Texas divorce process. 

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to any case we handle, so you can trust us to take the time to understand your unique goals and fight for the results you’re seeking. Let us help you move forward with clarity and confidence – not stress and confusion. Call today to book your free initial case evaluation!