We are often asked if it is possible to do your own divorce. And the answer is, "Maybe".

It is a general principle in law that no person needs to employ a lawyer if he/she does not want to and anyone can represent himself or herself in court. This is true of divorce just as it is of any other legal proceedings. Indeed, if the divorce is uncontested, it is unlikely that you will be required to attend court; provided that you have been diligent with your paperwork and support documents.

In fact, you can do it yourself and for you this may be a perfectly satisfactory option. You should, however, be aware of the following:

• This is not court TV, it takes more time than you can ever imagine to unravel the legal requirements.
  
  
• Any unclear wording, or the smallest of errors will cause a day-at-the-beach divorce to become a month-in-shark-infested-waters divorce.
  
  
• Avoid using the court to harass your ex rather than to achieve a resolution.
  
  
• Roadblocks spring up when either of you fail to agree, or simply fail to understand the basic rules.
  
  
• The huge price you pay for your emotional stress. You are fighting your ex and now you find yourself fighting the court, alone.
  
  
• Errors and ommissions in your paperwork will have your case put on hold or rejected. ( see the very real quotes above )
  
  
• The courts have little sympathy for two kinds of self-represented parties - the hostile and the inept.