DIY Divorce & Child Custody Agreement?
DIY Divorce & Child Custody Agreement?
There are a lot of people who want to do their own divorce case or custody modification case, and that’s doable. However, there is a downside to the do-it-yourself route.
Are you considering a DIY divorce and child custody in Idaho to save time and money? While there are forms available to navigate a divorce or custody modification on your own, those forms assume a specific fact pattern that may not apply to your unique situation. Our firm regularly encounters serious, often irreversible, mistakes made when clients attempt the legal process without professional guidance.
It is highly recommended that, even if you choose to gather the forms and fill them out, you invest an hour with a lawyer. This simple step ensures you avoid errors in language or procedure that could make specific provisions—such as child custody or property division—unchangeable later. You owe it to yourself to make sure your documents are done correctly.
Example: You decree that someone can move within 100 miles of each other, but logistically, does that make sense when sharing custody? That’s a lot of driving, and it’s hard on the children. Have a lawyer review what you want to file before you file, so you understand the correct language for the documents. This will save you time and money in the long run because, if done incorrectly, you may get frustrated.
Idaho Family Law Attorney, Sheli Fulcher Koontz‘s recommendation
Have a lawyer help you. If you retain an attorney, you have a lot more flexibility in your documents. If you are doing it on your own, you owe it to yourself to make sure it is done correctly. One hour’s worth of time for someone to help you avoid a very costly mistake is a worthwhile investment.
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