I am often asked the question, can’t I just do this myself?  Of course I respond yes.   There are some very simple cases where an attorney is certainly not necessary, especially if there are no assets or children involved.  However, generally I do not recommend a do it yourself divorce.  Simply speaking, you two are getting divorced, so there is some breakdown of trust, communication, respect, or possibly all of the above.  There are a lot of different issues that must be resolved during a divorce and it is best if you have a neutral party to assist you through the process.  If you are shopping for an attorney, be aware of the specific costs and get in writing exactly what you are paying for.  Also read my post on how to select an attorney to further guide you through the selection process.

What Am I Paying For?

Before signing a fee agreement with an attorney, you want to know what you are paying for and exactly how much.   Ask the following general questions:

• Is this an hourly fee or flat fee?
• How much is the retainer?  Is it refundable?
• Is the flat fee a one-time payment, or can it be split into payments?
• Do you accept credit cards?
• How much does it cost to file for divorce?  Is this included in the flat fee?
• What is the average cost of a divorce?
• Do I pay for faxes and copies?  How much?
• Is it cheaper if I email you or call you on the phone?
• What if I can’t pay you?

Any agreement you sign with an attorney should be in writing and signed by both you and the attorney.