Are Divorce Apps A Good Idea?
Many are aware that there are mobile apps that people use for dating, but what about apps to help you through the divorce process?
There are now online offerings that offer divorce advice to couples that are seeking a divorce—a kind of “Do It Yourself” online kit that allows you to fill out and file your own divorce papers for around $2,000. But does it work? While these quick guides and video-conferencing opportunities might be helpful for the most basic of divorces, they actually aren’t custom-fit for most circumstances, and that includes any and all circumstances that involve child custody, child support, and assets.
“Do-It-Yourself” Comes At a Price
Some of these products are advertised as uncontested divorce packages, whereby you do most of the work, and then typically connect with a local attorney to have a phone consultation and complete the paperwork. If more assistance is needed—perhaps unsurprisingly—additional counsel can be provided for additional fees.
But what about any “complications?” In fact, what about any circumstances that aren’t routine? According to the experts, these products are not designed to address these issues, which apply to many couples, as “complicated” can simply mean the presence of children and/or any assets (assets being retirement accounts, stocks, investments, property, etc.).
Beware Mistakes
In addition, although most-all states offer “no fault” divorces as an option, there are still variations, sometimes at the county level, when it comes to the specifics; especially when it comes to marital versus nonmarital assets, how they are divided, and whether the grounds for divorce apply in this division of assets. But perhaps most frightening is that if mistakes are made, they may not be correctable; in many jurisdictions, assignment of assets, debts, and child custody is final and changes cannot be made unless both parties agree to it in writing after the fact.
In addition, courts often get frustrated with individuals who haven’t bothered to hire an attorney (and who also haven’t filled out the paperwork correctly). Going into court without having an experienced family law attorney first confirm that the paperwork is correct is risky, at the very least. Divorce is something that can have a lot of control over the rest of your life; you want to make sure that it is done once, and done correctly.
Contact Us for Advice & Representation
If you are dealing with divorce, know that you do not have to figure it all out on your own. Meeting with an experienced attorney can provide you with peace of mind and help you to understand all of your options.
If you live in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, or surrounding areas, contact the office of Sandra Bonfiglio today to learn how we can help you. We understand the emotional and physical strain that divorce can take on you and your family, and we are prepared to help you put together an effective plan that works for you, specifically.
