Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals are too often faced with the decision of having to hire expensive attorneys for full representation or to go it alone using confusing forms found on the Internet. This is not much of a choice. DIYDivorce bridges this divide by providing individuals with customized documents and coaching throughout the process. You will never have to wonder if you are missing something or if something does not apply to your situation. Working with DIYDivorce instills our clients with the confidence of knowing that they have done things right, which will also avoid unnecessary delays. Ultimately, this makes the process less intimidating. 

No. The court and court staff are prohibited by law from giving legal advice. The guidance you would require would constitute legal advice. 

Full legal representation requires the active involvement of an attorney in all aspects of your case, from start to finish. This requires the attorney to do all drafting, negotiating, and advocating on your behalf in court and in mediation. The attorney would act as your liaison with the court, the other party, or their attorney, and other professions as may be required by your unique situation. 

If you choose DIYDivorce, you have all the benefits of consulting with an attorney to ensure that nothing is overlooked, and the high quality documents for your personalized specifications. The DIYDivorce attorney will not negotiate for you, or interact with the court or mediators on your behalf. But this may not be necessary in your circumstance. You will be able to achieve the results you seek at a fraction of the cost of full legal representation. 

If, at any time, you determine that you would feel more comfortable with full representation, you may transition to an arrangement with the Allyn Smith Law Group, P.C.  www.allynsmith.com

DIYDivorce will:

• Consult and advise you throughout the process.
• Coach and prepare you for everything you need, from start to finish (filing, hearings, mediation, etc.)
• Draft all necessary documents, from pleadings to judgment.
• Review and comment on documents prepared by others, such as the opposing party, opposing counsel, the court, friend of the court, etc.
• Provide direction on process service and filings.

DIYDivorce will not:

• File your documents with the court.
• Serve your documents upon opposing party or attorney.
• Negotiate with your spouse or you spouse’s attorney.
• Appear in court with you.

While both parties can benefit from the services provided by DIYDivorce, DIYDivorce can only provide legal advice to one party. Legal advice might not be an issue, however, where the parties are simply seeking documentation preparation and instructions on starting, navigating, and completing the process. 

You may benefit from the limited legal representation offered by DIYDivorce if:

• You wish to have greater control over the legal fees associated with your matter.
• You need help only with some specific aspects of your family law matter.
• You have the time and attention to devote to representing yourself.
• You want to empower yourself in the process and have greater role in the shaping of the outcome.
• You want to better understand the process.

DIYDivorce is not necessarily a good fit for everyone. But before you commit to hiring an attorney for full representation, you deserve to find out whether you can benefit from the DIYDivorce