With the e-commerce websites selling every possible product and service online, the DIY divorce packages are not far behind. There are various websites that offer professional assistance to help couple right from procuring the divorce forms to obtaining the Decree Absolute, in case of an uncontested divorce. The best thing is that these services are available at a very cheap price. If not for these services, the couple might have to face the huge bills of high-street solicitors.
However, in cases where the decision to divorce is contested by the petitioner’s spouse, the legal proceedings require the services of a solicitor due to the technicalities involved. In most of the other cases, DIY divorce with the assistance of an online company specialising in this regard, would be the best option.
When is Uncontested Divorce a Bad Idea?
Although the divorcing couple have an undivided opinion on opting for divorce, there might be certain issues that might complicate the discussion on issues such as child custody, alimony, child maintenance, etc. In these special cases scenarios, the service of a legal counsel becomes inevitable. Following are examples of a few such instances:
1. Violent Spouse: Even in the modern era, there are people who inflict physical, sexual and emotional abuse on their spouse. According to a survey conducted last year, more than 17% of those divorcing cited ‘abuse by the partner’ as the reason behind divorce. When a person is intimidated by his or her spouse and fears that he or she might be abused, it is not practically possible to sit across the table with him or her and negotiate on the terms of divorce. If this happens, the person might be frightened into taking a decision favourable to the abusing partner.
2. Uncooperative Partner: In some cases, there is such a strong feeling of hatred between the divorcing couple that they require a third party assistance to discuss the conditions instead of holding a mutual dialogue.
When a person has involved in infidelity, the spouse might feel extremely angry and would not be willing to have a conversation with that person. Also, the difference of opinion between some couples might be so strong that they might end up fighting at every conversation they hold. So, it might be impossible for them to accept each other’s views and might require the help of a solicitor.
3. Complexities: When there is a large amount of wealth involved, complexities might arise regarding the division of property. Also, if you are jointly involved with your spouse in purchasing a property, taking a mortgage, etc., you might find it difficult to divide such properties, debts, etc. In some cases, you might not be able to know the exact amount you would require towards child maintenance or alimony. If you make an under claim, it could affect your standard of living as well as your child’s future.
If you are completely unaware about the divorce laws in the UK and you do not have sufficient time to find out the details on procedure, you could as well hire a solicitor. If not, you might end up doing something wrong which could delay your divorce process and cause financial or emotional complications.
4. Emotional Blackmail: When Helen and Steve decided to divorce on ground of irreconcilable differences, Steve proved to be very supportive to Helen. He took care of learning about the DIY divorce procedures, filled out the divorce forms for her and supported her emotionally, whenever she became upset about their failed marriage.
He was so nice to her that when they were discussing alimony and child maintenance, she felt it would be rude to ask him for a more reasonable amount. As a result, she had to face a lot of financial difficulties in meeting the wants of her child. In this case, although Steve did not dictate terms, she felt obliged to him and accepted to unreasonable terms that affected her child’s life. If she had hired a solicitor, he or she would have made her see things in a better light and negotiated reasonable terms with her husband’s lawyer, which could have saved any awkwardness.
The Last Word
Unless you have a straightforward case of uncontested divorce, it is always better to get professional assistance rather than doing it on your own. Although, you might need to shell out a huge fee, it can save you a lot of financial and emotional burden in the future.
James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you would like more information on how to get a quickie Divorce see http://www.quickie-divorce.com
