Separating from a spouse may be one of the hardest decisions you may ever make in your life. But sometimes, the process may be a little easier for some than others. While some may picture legal battles for marital assets, other couples may agree on the split. How simple can the process get when divorce is uncontested?

When DIY divorce may work

Spouses may ask: “Why can’t I file for divorce myself if we both agree on everything?” As Georgia recognizes no-fault divorce, Covington couples do not need to prove wrongdoing to dissolve the union. You may not even need to go to court if you and your spouse agree on all issues.

“DIY-ing” a divorce is only possible when there are no disputes over child support, property division and other marital concerns. You handle all administrative duties related to your divorce. Thorough and complex paperwork makes divorce with complicated financial situations difficult for the average person.

For simple unions with couples well-versed in the court system, DIY divorce could be feasible. For example, marriages that lasted under 3 years, with no children and minimal assets or debt may succeed. But perfect circumstances describe very few divorces.

The reality of “simple” divorces

Uncontested divorces do not necessarily mean “simple” ones. For the majority of uncontested marriage dissolutions, you may still need legal guidance. Georgia law has specific documentation requirements that make it tricky to navigate. For example, you must draft a settlement agreement that clearly outlines debt obligations, property division and child support.

Debt responsibility and marital asset division must follow Georgia’s equitable distribution system. You must also detail child custody and parenting arrangements and use strict guidelines to calculate financial support. Using vague language puts you at risk of court proceedings at a future date.

Simple divorces can go wrong

DIY divorce is possible, but there are very tangible risks associated with it. Examples of some real-world scenarios that ordinary people faced after DIY-ing:

• Mistakes with debt allocation left one spouse liable for their ex-partner’s debts
• Vague descriptions of asset distribution and child custody led to later court battles
• Improperly recording marital assets leads to confusion about ownership or loss of property rights

With proper legal representation, you can eliminate costly risks and court re-evaluations in the future. Divorce proceedings should not take up more time than they should. While there may be a fee associated with legal guidance, avoiding future issues is a worthwhile investment. Professionals ensure no finances are overlooked and draft agreements in alignment with Georgia’s requirements.

In Covington, uncontested divorces with legal representation cost far less than contested cases. Your divorce will cost less than fixing long-term mistakes if done right. Before attempting DIY, consider if legal guidance may be right for you.