Going through a divorce is not only a stressful time, but can be expensive. While it is always best to hire an experienced divorce lawyer if one of you is contesting the initial divorce filing, sometimes there is just no money to do so.
There are, however, a number of resources available to you that can help you get through the situation with no, or very little cost. Whether you are the one that does the initial filing, or you have been served with divorce papers, here are a few things you can do to help things move along.
Lawyer Consultation
Most lawyers will provide you with a free initial consultation. This should be your first step once a divorce is imminent. A lawyer can explain to you what will happen and how the proceedings will unfold. The lawyer may even give you the paperwork to get things started on your own. You can fill out the forms and then file them with the court for a small fee.
Self-Help Centers
Most court houses have a self-help center. They are often manned by law students. You can find all the paperwork for filing a divorce or the response to a divorce filing. If you need help filling something out, the attendants can help, but they cannot advise you what to do. Some centers offer a day or so when you can set up an appointment to talk with a lawyer for free. This person can give you advice and tell you what steps you should take to have the situation resolved.
Legal Aide Classes
Another option available through the court house might be classes. These classes can help you to understand more about the divorce. They can be especially helpful when children are involved. You will learn what to expect if the case goes to trial, or how to figure out things like child custody, support, and alimony. These classes may also point you to lawyers who are willing to do pro bono work to help you get through everything.
Help is available to you when you need to end your marriage. Talk to sources like DeSanto and Kellogg Law Office LLC to find the resources to help you get through this tough time. Knowledge about the whole proceeding will give you the upper hand and help minimize your stress. You do not need to go through it all alone.
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