Can I Represent Myself in My Illinois Divorce?

Wheaton Divorce Lawyers Discuss Securing Legal Representation in Family Law Cases

If you are considering divorce, or if you have been recently served with divorce papers, you may be asking yourself, "Can I represent myself in my divorce?" The answer to this question is yes. Regardless of the legal proceeding, you always have the right to represent yourself. However, the more important question is, "Should I represent myself in my divorce?"

Since the process of divorce is complex, both legally and emotionally, seeking legal representation for your divorce case can help you protect your rights and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. You may have your own set of ideas about how the division of your marital assets, the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time, and other aspects of your divorce should be handled. Unfortunately, what you believe is most fair may be contrary to what Illinois divorce laws state.

Dangers of a Do-It-Yourself Divorce

If you were handed a set of tools, a pile of materials, and blueprints and asked to build a home, would you be capable of 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.

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.

To avoid becoming confused or frustrated by how a judge may rule in your divorce case, and to prevent errors that could cost you thousands of dollars more than you would have paid otherwise, you should consult with a skilled, experienced divorce lawyer. If you elect to represent yourself initially and later retain an attorney, your lawyer may spend a significant amount of time attempting to undo mistakes that have already been made. Sometimes, mistakes made during self-representation cannot be fixed. Therefore, it is in your best interest to receive legal counsel at the very beginning stages of your divorce.

Contact Our Wheaton, Illinois Divorce Lawyers

The decisions made during your divorce will determine what happens with the things that are most important to you: your home, your retirement, your life savings, and your children. Rather than trying to tackle your divorce on your own, you should contact an experienced attorney at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC. We have been assisting clients from DuPage, Kane, and Kendall Counties for decades, and we look forward to helping you reach a favorable outcome to your situation. Call us at 630-665-7300 or contact us online today.