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When facing a family law, estate law or other legal matter, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your options and protect your interests. At The Powell Law Firm, we have more than 20 years of experience protecting people in Pearland, Houston and the surrounding area in Texas.

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April 07, 2024

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On behalf of The Powell Law Firm

| Divorce

Do You Need an Attorney to Get a Divorce?

The divorce rate is currently around 50% and that number may be much higher if everyone who wanted a divorce got one. Many people never follow through with divorces because they claim they cannot afford a lawyer.

It is generally a good idea to have an attorney on your side, but you are not required to have one. You can get all the forms yourself, and there are many websites that provide guidance on how to do a DIY divorce.

A DIY divorce may be OK for a short-term marriage with few assets and no children. But for a more complicated divorce, you probably will not want to try to handle it on your own. If your divorce is contested, it may be in your best interest to hire a lawyer.

Divorces are not always easy. There are many complex elements involved. Here are some pros and cons of DIY divorce that you should know about.

Pros of DIY Divorce

  • It is cheaper. Not hiring a lawyer can save you thousands of dollars. By divorcing on your own, you can avoid hefty legal fees and court costs.
  • It is quicker. When you and your spouse are handling the divorce on your own, there is no middleman. Less back and forth can make the process quicker. The case will not drag on for years.
  • It is more private. You and your spouse can handle all the details of your divorce on your own rather than getting lawyers involved.
  • There is more control. Handling the divorce without lawyers allows the couple to have more control over the process and the outcome rather than leaving decisions to attorneys and judges. This can be beneficial if there are children involved. You and your spouse can make decisions about what is best for them.

Cons of DIY Divorce

  • Divorce can involve complex legal issues, especially regarding property division, child custody, and support agreements. Without legal expertise, the parties may struggle to navigate these complexities effectively.
  • Lack of legal knowledge. The legal system can be intricate and confusing. Without a lawyer’s guidance, individuals may overlook important legal requirements, potentially leading to unfavorable outcomes.
  • Without a lawyer’s guidance, there’s a higher risk of making mistakes that could have long-term consequences, such as signing unfavorable agreements or overlooking important legal protections.
  • Emotional stress. Divorce is emotionally taxing. Handling the legal aspects without professional support can be even more stressful for both parties.

Contact Our Texas Divorce Lawyer Today

Divorcing without a lawyer is possible, but is it the right choice for you? Many divorces are contested, and in these cases, having a lawyer is always a good idea.

Should you get a lawyer for your divorce or go it alone? Get advice from Texas divorce attorneys at The Powell Law Firm. We can assist with contested and uncontested divorces. Fill out the online form or call 832-850-6095 to schedule a consultation with our office.

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  • “I wanted to take the time to thank you [John Powell III] for helping me through a tough time in my life. Your guidance and voice of reason really helped me more than you will ever know. I had a previous attorney that I felt could have really cared less about me or the situation. Once on board with you, I felt an immediate difference and I was thankful for your quick response. I could not have finished this process without you and I am glad you were able to have so much hands on time with me. Again, thank you for everything you did for me and my son!”

    (S.R.)

  • “John Powell III was very helpful through the entire process of my divorce which involved a custody fight over my 3-year-old daughter. Mr. Powell has a strong working rapport with the Brazoria County family court. He was very patient, walking me through every step, knowing what to expect from my wife's attorney. We were ultimately successful and I would highly recommend him. As for my daughter, she is doing great. She has advanced to the preschool 2 class early, she is now 3.5 and now goes to school with the 4-5 year old's. Her emotional and behavioral issues have disappeared. Thanks to Mr. Powell's hard work my daughter will have a great chance at life.”

    (K.K.)

  • “Just wanted to say thanks for handling my post-divorce property division issue in a timely and professional manner. Especially your attention to detail and some quick-witted humor as well. Your firm was referred to us by a friend which can always be somewhat awkward but you made us feel at ease through the entire process. I would not hesitate to recommend your firm to anyone if the need arises.”

    (J.B.)

  • “Dear Mr. Powell: I want to thank you for your great service and express my gratitude. I am extremely pleased how everything was handled and I have the highest possible opinion about your professionalism, the quality of your service and your attitude toward me as a client. Thank you again, best regards.”

    (M.K.S.)

  • “I had what I learned was not your stereotypical divorce case. John Powell III was extremely understanding of the situation and worked with myself and my former spouse to navigate the legal pitfalls in our, and our children's case. Everything was resolved amicably and with minimal impact to our family. Without Mr. Powell's assistance I do not know that we would have gotten to such a positive place.”

    (A.W.)

  • “John Powell III is a compassionate and thorough attorney. My case was a complex custody issue that required work in two wide-spread counties. Mr. Powell was able to efficiently overcome this added challenge. He is patient and clear in explaining concepts of the law. Even after the case was closed, Mr. Powell was available to explain the final judgment and to help ensure we were following the Judge's intent. It is very comforting to know that if additional issues arise he is there to act as my advocate.”

    (R.T.)

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