One of the most common misconceptions people have when filing for divorce is that the process is relatively simple. However, divorce is incredibly complex, emotionally, financially, and legally, which can make it difficult to navigate. Regardless, if you are interested in pursuing a pro se divorce in Louisiana, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores this process in further detail, as well as why you may want to reconsider and connect with a Monroe, Louisiana divorce lawyer instead.
What Is a Pro Se Divorce?
“Pro se” is a Latin term that translates to “for oneself.” As such, a pro se divorce is one that you file on your own behalf, meaning you do not enlist the assistance of an attorney for this process. This means that you will not only file the petition on your own behalf, but that you must also gather all necessary documentation, negotiate with your spouse, and, if necessary, represent yourself before a judge.
Why Should I Avoid This Option and Work With an Attorney?
One of the primary reasons that people wish to avoid working with an attorney and navigate the divorce process on their own is to save money. However, it’s imperative to understand that, while you may save money when foregoing the assistance of an attorney, you can make errors in your divorce that impact your finances for years after your divorce has been finalized.
Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes made during a divorce is the failure to accurately calculate your income and expenses. When you file, you’ll need to complete this information, as it’s necessary for matters like child support and alimony. As such, if you fail to accurately calculate your average income and expenses, you could end up paying more in support than what is fair, or receiving less than you deserve from your spouse.
This is also true if you fail to accurately inventory your assets. A considerable part of the divorce process is determining what assets are considered separate and which are marital, as your joint assets are subject to division. As such, failure to list an asset as marital property can negatively impact the assets you receive during this process.
Finally, you’ll find that working with an attorney is crucial because the divorce process can be incredibly complicated. Unfortunately, this is often considered tedious and time-consuming, as there is a considerable amount of paperwork to file. Errors in the filing process can result in delays in your case, which can negatively impact your finances.
As you can see, filing a pro se divorce comes with several pitfalls. As such, it’s in your best interest to work with an attorney at Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, LLC. Our team can help you navigate this complicated matter. Contact us today to learn more.