Can I Represent Myself in a Divorce?

An Experienced Attorney Can Prevent Costly Mistakes

According to Illinois law, you have the right to represent yourself in a proceeding for divorce. The process, however, can be very complicated and involves much more than simply completing a few forms. An experienced attorney can help you better understand the implications of your decisions and prevent you from making costly mistakes along the way.

If you were handed a set of tools, a pile of materials, and blueprints and asked you to build a home, would you be capable producing the same quality house as a professional contractor? While you have the right to build yourself a home, doing so could be a dangerous endeavor with unpredictable results. The same is true regarding your divorce, especially since you only have one chance to get it right.

Dangers of a Do-It-Yourself Divorce

With countless resources available online that offer advice about divorcing without an attorney, the process may seem easy. Many such resources, however, are often not as reliable as they may seem. In addition, the circumstances of your divorce may be much more complex than you initially thought. A single mistake along the way is all it takes to potentially cost you thousands of dollars in lost property, spousal support, and other considerations. When you represent yourself in divorce, you may even risk compromising your rights regarding your children.

At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, we understand why you might consider representing yourself during your divorce. Our experienced attorneys also realize that you may be concerned about money and the costs of hiring a lawyer. The expense of retaining legal counsel, however, often pales in comparison with what you could potentially lose by making mistakes in your divorce. While you may think you cannot afford a lawyer, we believe that you cannot afford to proceed without one.

To learn more about the divorce process, contact our office today. Call 630-665-7300 for a confidential consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer at MKFM Law. We are proud to serve individuals and families in DuPage County, Kane County, and Kendall County.