While divorce is generally the same in most parts of the world, the way that the law deals with divorce is different from country to country. If you moved to California from somewhere other than the United States, it is possible that your beliefs about how divorce and divorce settlements work here is dangerously inaccurate.
For instance, many of the residents of Southern California come here from Mexico, and do not fully understand the differences between divorce in Mexico and divorce in the United States, and California specifically.
Does this mean that you cannot successfully get divorced in California if you’re not from the United States? No, not at all. It does mean, however, that you need professional guidance to make sure that you don’t create problems for yourself.
The truth is, if you try to get divorced without an experienced attorney, you might end up costing yourself a lot of time and money.
What can go wrong?
Let’s say you decide to try to do a divorce using forms you get off the internet or using a paralegal. This seems like a good idea that may save you money, right?
In reality, these plans only work if nothing goes wrong, you and your spouse agree completely on every aspect of the divorce settlement, you don’t miss any important part of the divorce, and all the forms are filed properly.
The likelihood of things going this well are very unlikely. If you have children, the process is even more complicated. Parental rights, custody arrangements and spousal support work differently from state to state in America, not to mention how different these matters are in a another country.
One of the biggest problems with trying to divorce without legal help is that you don’t know what you don’t know. It might be just as likely for people who have no experience fixing cars to believe that they can replace the engine in their vehicle. You won’t know just how much trouble you’ve caused yourself until the damage is already done.
Among other things, divorce can have specific tax implications, which you do not want to leave up to chance. Furthermore, if you do not choose a professional, experienced attorney to help guide you through divorce and ensure that you don’t miss important steps, your spouse may continue to affect your credit score after your divorce is final, or collectors may pursue your for your spouse’s debts.
If you think that divorcing without an attorney is the cheap way to go, you are truly gambling with your future, and the future of your children. It is much wiser to begin the process with proper legal guidance than realize that this is what you should have done all along.
Don’t wait to get strong guidance
Your divorce is one of the most important steps you may ever take. You deserve to give it proper time, attention and funding. If you are ready to pursue a professional divorce so that you can move on to a new season of life, reach out to an experienced attorney. With proper legal counsel, you can rest assured that your future and the future of your family is in good hands, and that your rights remain secure throughout the process.
Source: Nov. 30, -0001