What You Need To Know About Self-Representation In A Divorce

Contemplating filing for divorce in Brooklyn often means a thorough review of your financial situation. Having to add one more expense in the form of an experienced Brooklyn family divorce lawyer might seem overwhelming at the time that you are already dealing with enough on your plate. However, choosing to represent yourself or go pro bono can be catastrophic for your divorce case, particularly if children are involved and if your former spouse has obtained legal representation.

What The Studies On Divorce Say

Unfortunately, new studies point out that there are not enough pro bono lawyers to help with these cases and the rules for representing yourself can be very difficult. A recent study completed by Harvard Law School’s Access to Justice Lab explored the experiences of those attempting to get divorced in Philadelphia County, determining in their results that these outcomes are likely applicable to other locations.

Pro-Bono Versus Self-Representation

This study specifically looked at the effectiveness of pro bono divorce representation and identified that those who received legal representation were 80% more likely to achieve divorce grounds than people without it. Researchers identified that there were not enough pro bono attorneys to offer everyone representation.

Those With Representation Fair Better

This study broke the participants into two groups; those who received representation from an attorney and those who did not receive representation. They found that each of these groups had radically different outcomes in their divorce case. In fact, those who attempted to find a free lawyer were four times as likely to achieve a divorce case on record with the family court and five times as likely to have been successful in receiving a divorce.

Don’t Go Into The Process Of Divorce In New York Alone

You should never be alone in the divorce process. Getting your questions answered is important for your peace of mind.

Unfortunately, the numbers were practically the exact opposite for those who were not able to obtain a divorce representation. Hiring an experienced Brooklyn family divorce lawyer might be the only way for you to protect your rights.