Must You Hire a Lawyer to Get Divorced

[bob1234]

We live in Michigan and agree on the seperation, child support, of ALL assets. Do we still need to spend thousands on an attorney or can we just file ourselves stand in front of the judge and be divorced. Im sure its not advised, but neither of us want a nasty divorce. we agree on all assets and how much money ill be giving her per month along with visitation of our children. So, why make it more complicated if we dont have too?

[IAAL]

We live in Michigan and agree on the seperation, child support, of ALL assets. Do we still need to spend thousands on an attorney or can we just file ourselves stand in front of the judge and be divorced. Im sure its not advised, but neither of us want a nasty divorce. we agree on all assets and how much money ill be giving her per month along with visitation of our children. So, why make it more complicated if we dont have too?

My response:

No, you don't need an attorney. When the two of you stand before the judge, he will make the "Sign of the Cross", and then you both will kneel before the Alter of Justice. The judge will Bless you both, place his hands on both your heads, and ask you to recite something from the Book of the Knights Templar or the Knights of Columbus, and tell you both to "Sin no more, and go in peace. You are now divorced."

IAAL

[aaron]

I think IAAL is confusing the Michigan divorce process with his wedding ceremony.

There are books available on "how to handle your own divorce" through any major online or "bricks and mortar" book seller - consider picking one up. They normally include forms and instructions for getting through the divorce process, and getting the divorce judgment in proper form for the court.

You will have to go through the Friend of the Court system which will determine support in accord with Michigan's child support formula, but if you are in agreement as to custody and visitation they would normally be happy to accept that settlement. Typically they will review and approve any custody order before it is entered by the court. You can check with your County's FOC office to see if they will assist with drafting the custody order where neither party has a lawyer.

[Litigator]

I'd advise getting an attorney--or at least one of the parties should get an attorney. I've just seen it too many times where people decide to represent themselves and then learn that it is more difficult than what they imagined. People do go to law school for a reason. If it is truly uncontested all the way around an attorney's fee will normally be much lower because of that.

[IAAL]

I think IAAL is confusing the Michigan divorce process with his wedding ceremony.

My response:

I like my story, better. It's more interesting.

La Chaiem!


IAAL

[LadyinTexas]

I went to local library, got all the paperwork I needed and filed for my own divorce. It was uncontested and a really easy procedure when I did it. I only had to pay for filing fees which were around $180.00.