“Speedy Divorce”   “DIY Divorce” – you only need to search on Google to find all sorts of adverts tempting you to do your own divorce rather than instructing a Solicitor.

But is this the right way to go?

For some people – it may be.  If, for example, you have been separated for over 2 years and the other person consents and the financial side is already agreed.

However you should be wary of two things.  First of all you can obtain all of the divorce forms and guidance notes free from the Court office.  Are you being charged for something you can get for free?  Second, to dismiss any future financial claims by either spouse even after a divorce you need a Consent Order. You really should seek proper legal advice to ensure that it provides proper protection – now and in the future.

What if your spouse doesn’t complete their form when they receive the Petition – would you know what to do?  What if there are disputes about money, property or children that you may not be able to resolve yourself?

And of course for some people reading up on the procedure and completing all the forms is confusing and time consuming especially if the Court asks any questions.

“Would I fit a new boiler in my home myself?”

Would I fit a new boiler in my home myself? Would I prepare my own company accounts? Would I attempt to plumb in a new bathroom?

The answer is no! I am sure that some people would do these things but the vast majority feel that it is better to hire someone who knows what they are doing and have studied and worked in that role for some time to give them the knowledge and expertise to be able to provide an efficient service.

And this is the reason why many people choose to use a family law solicitor rather than dealing with their divorce or other family law matter themselves.

Often people have not encountered the breakdown of a marriage before and do not know their next steps, what they should consider and indeed what their options are. An initial advice appointment gives them this information and allows them to make an informed choice as to what to do next.

“...it is often a relief to know that a specialist can take the difficulties of dealing with a divorce or other family law matter off their hands...”

When they are going through an emotionally difficult time it is often a relief to know that a specialist can take the difficulties of dealing with a divorce or other family law matter off their hands and help them through this.

Using a family law solicitor is definitely not compulsory but it is certainly worth thinking about!