Mention the word “divorce” and people automatically think of lawyers, negotiations, trials, and complicated legal forms and reams of divorce papers, unaware that there is such a thing as a Do It Yourself Divorce option. Sometimes called “self divorce” or “self-help divorce”, the process foregoes the services of lawyers and is handled completely by the divorcing partners.

The appeal and advantages of a do it yourself divorce is primarily one of cost. Divorce proceedings involving the services of lawyers can be very expensive and may not be necessary if the situation is not really complicated. The prerequisite to a do it yourself divorce method is that the divorce is an amicable one and that the partners have agreed upon the need to file for divorce. The money saved by opting for a do it yourself divorce may, in fact, help make life easier for both parties in the aftermath of a divorce.

The first step in a do it yourself divorce is for the partners to talk to each other and agree on the basic issues to be resolved. The major issue will revolve around the partitioning of assets and liabilities. To make sure that the issues are clear, a detailed accounting of property and debt is required, in order to ascribe precise values to what is being divided. It might be necessary to consult an accountant, but this will definitely cost less than legal services and will be for a limited duration.

The next step in a do it yourself divorce is for the partners to agree to a do it yourself divorce. The economic advantages of this method should be a strong convincing factor. Another advantage to discuss when trying to agree to a do it yourself divorce method is the absence of a trial and all the publicity that goes with it. The privacy surrounding a do it yourself divorce method should work in favor of the children and reduce the emotional level of the proceedings. Even if both parties cannot agree on all the issues, there is still the option of resorting to mediation.

The most important part of divorce papers in a do it yourself divorce is the literature and reading material to describe the steps to follow in a do it yourself divorce. Books and instructional material are usually available in a library or a bookstore. These may also be researched online.

Divorce papers include all the legal forms necessary in a do it yourself divorce. These forms are usually available from the court or may be purchased at a book shop. Online forms may also be available, although this should be reviewed to make sure that they apply to the specific do it yourself requirements of the locality in which the divorce papers are to be filed.

The legal forms that are part of divorce papers will need to be notarized in order to be valid. A list and written description of the assets and liabilities to be divided among the partners should also be notarized. Still another document in the divorce papers that will need notarization is a Parenting Plan, if one is needed.

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