‘The times they are a changing.’ The way people choose to exit a marriage, be it with separate attorneys, a mediator, or do it yourself, there is a solution to fit every one. But before you go the ‘do it yourself route’ ask yourself a couple very important questions to see if you qualify. Most importantly if you hire a document preparation service, there are some things you should understand.
There are businesses that prepare the paperwork for uncontested divorces. These folks may be called paralegals but are commonly referred to as legal document preparers, or LDPs. Legal document preparers are not allowed to give you legal advice. (Only licensed lawyers can do that.) However, they can prepare forms, using the information you supply, and have them filed with the court. Because you are not utilizing an attorney, the quality and reliability of such services can vary greatly, so it is very important to do your own due diligence before settling on one. Find out how much experience the LDP has, check online reviews, and if possible, get a reference.
If you choose to use a document preparation service, please make sure the paperwork is being done by a professional who knows what they are doing on your behalf in the area of law you are seeking assistance. Unfortunately, we see too many clients come to us because the forms were either done incorrectly or not appropriately completed, making what could have been a simple process twice as hard and three times as long.
Review the following:
Do you have children under 18 from this marriage?
Is your spouse willing to sign the divorce papers?
Is your divorce uncontested?
Do you and your spouse agree on how to divide your property, and all issues regarding children?
Our office has over 18 years of legal experience and all of your paperwork will be done and reviewed by lawyers.
There’s a reason why lawyers charge high fees. They’re often aware of long-term concerns that you may not consider, for example, whether a court will “impute” future income to a spouse who has bright financial future. Lawyers also offer a shield – all correspondence and contact can be directed through the lawyer’s office if things become contested. And lawyers have a better understanding on legal issues, such as child custody and what the court may consider in a parenting plan that has the child’s best interests.
Working with our office gives you the benefit of knowing you not only have a highly qualified representative preparing your documents, but also that your documents will be prepared appropriately and completely.
For more information, please call The Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman, P.C., at 661-255-1800 or visit us at www.chromanlaw.com. Mr. Chroman is a Trusted Advisor Award Winner and named Top 100 California Attorney’s with over 18 years of experience and local service.
This article was originally published in Santa Clarita Magazine as part of our firm’s mission to make family law information more accessible to the Santa Clarita community. Read the full feature and others at santaclaritamagazine.com.