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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
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    Portsmouth, Virginia, United States
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    2

    Default Doing an Uncontested Divorce Without a Lawyer

    My question involves a marriage in the state of: Virginia

    Ive already filed divorce papers, had them served and have a court date. Whats the cost of hiring a lawyer if Ive already done the majority of the work (drawing up all the documents, filing and serving)? I really only need someone to ask me and my witness my 10 questions in the courtroom. And to be sure all my ducks are in order. Is it worth getting a lawyer just for that? I would appreciate any feedback from anyone who has gone for an uncontested hearing without a lawyer.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    16,474

    Default Re: Uncontested Divorce Without Lawyer

    Quote Quoting Bri Lilienthal
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    My question involves a marriage in the state of: Virginia

    Ive already filed divorce papers, had them served and have a court date. Whats the cost of hiring a lawyer if Ive already done the majority of the work (drawing up all the documents, filing and serving)? I really only need someone to ask me and my witness my 10 questions in the courtroom. And to be sure all my ducks are in order. Is it worth getting a lawyer just for that? I would appreciate any feedback from anyone who has gone for an uncontested hearing without a lawyer.
    If the divorce is uncontested, why do you have to ask any questions in court?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
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    98,846

    Default Re: Uncontested Divorce Without Lawyer

    Quote Quoting llworking
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    If the divorce is uncontested, why do you have to ask any questions in court?
    You have to lay a proper factual basis for the court's jurisdiction and acceptance of the consent judgment. Divorce courts are usually quite accustomed to handling pro confesso hearings for divorce cases, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. If you're worried, perhaps the judge's clerk can tell you how the judge handles those hearings.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    Portsmouth, Virginia, United States
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Uncontested Divorce Without Lawyer

    Quote Quoting llworking
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    If the divorce is uncontested, why do you have to ask any questions in court?
    There is a basic questionaire that the Plaintiff and their witness must answer in the court. Questions like "Have both parties been separated for more than 6 months?" "Would you know if either party were to resume living with each other?" "Are bother parties of sound mind and able to understand the proceeding?"

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Quoting Mr. Knowitall
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    You have to lay a proper factual basis for the court's jurisdiction and acceptance of the consent judgment. Divorce courts are usually quite accustomed to handling pro confesso hearings for divorce cases, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. If you're worried, perhaps the judge's clerk can tell you how the judge handles those hearings.
    I missed an entire, quite important, paragraph in my final decree. And the judge embarrassed me by letting me know just that. Would/can a legal firm go over the paper work for a small fee without actually representing me? I'd feel more comfortable if I knew that the paper work was perfect and ready to be processed.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    18,340

    Default Re: Uncontested Divorce Without Lawyer

    The only way you will find out what a lawyer will charge is to call lawyers and ask them.

    Hard to imagine you didn't know that.

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