Five Reasons It Is A Bad Idea To Represent Yourself In A Tampa Divorce
Going through a divorce in Tampa can be a daunting process. Unfortunately, some think it will make things easier and less expensive if they represent themselves in Hillsborough County divorce proceedings rather than getting legal help. Our Tampa divorce lawyer explains why this is a bad idea.
Why You Need An Experienced Tampa Divorce Lawyer On Your Side
When filing for a divorce through the Hillsborough County Family Court, representing yourself is always an option. When people choose this, it is generally to make things easier and to save money. Unfortunately, the exact opposite can happen. The following are five reasons why not hiring an experienced divorce lawyer in Tampa is a bad idea:
- You are likely unfamiliar with Florida divorce laws and how they apply.
There are complex rules and legal requirements for getting a divorce in Tampa. Unless you have formal legal training, you are likely unfamiliar with the Florida Statutes and how they apply in different situations.
Your lawyer can review the circumstances surrounding your individual case, advise you on whether to file a contested or uncontested divorce and guide you in resolving important issues under state laws.
- Errors in dealing with the court can prove time-consuming and costly.
In addition to being unfamiliar with the law, most people are unfamiliar with court requirements and how legal proceedings are conducted. Errors in drafting or filing your divorce petition, missing hearings, and other common mistakes made by self-represented litigants can cost you significant amounts of time and money in the long run.
- Negotiations are likely to be less effective between you and your spouse.
Some soon-to-be-former spouses are on friendly terms and can negotiate the terms of their divorce between them on their own. However, be aware that this is not the norm. It is natural for one or both parties to have hard feelings and lingering resentments, which makes negotiating between the two of you more difficult.
- You could inadvertently settle for far less than you would otherwise be entitled to in a settlement.
Divorce not only takes an emotional toll but can come at a heavy financial cost as well. Hidden assets and not ensuring you get your fair share of different types of marital property, such as retirement benefits, could jeopardize your financial security for years to come.
- Enforcing any final orders and making modifications is likely to be more difficult.
Having an experienced Tampa divorce lawyer helps in enforcing any final judgments and ensuring court orders regarding parenting plans or other matters are followed. It can also make it easier to make modifications in the future.
Discuss Your Case With Our Experienced Tampa Divorce Lawyer
Representing yourself in a Tampa divorce could cost you time and money while jeopardizing your rights. To ensure your case is resolved in the most efficient and successful manner, contact Bubley & Bubley, P.A. Request a consultation with our Tampa divorce lawyer to discuss how we can help today.
Source:
hillsclerk.com/court-services/family-law
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html
