The Dangers of Filing for Divorce Without Divorce Mediators in Chicago

Uncontested Divorce Mediation

Posted April 5, 2019

If you and your spouse are about to start the process of getting divorced, it may be tempting to try to do it yourself and go through the process without a mediator if your relationship is amicable and you can reach an uncontested divorce in Chicago. For many couples going through an uncontested divorce, filing for a divorce without a mediator can seem appealing as a way to save money. However, while the age of easy internet research and abundant YouTube tutorials can make DIY divorces seem like a simple process, the fact is that most divorces are complex and require expert guidance to ensure that they are handled properly. If you attempt to DIY your divorce without knowing what you are doing, you could end up making costly mistakes. Before deciding to move forward with a DIY divorce, here are just a few of the dangers you should know about going through an uncontested divorce without a mediator.   

Hidden Costs

The most common reason for couples to choose a DIY divorce is to save money; however, there are often hidden costs associated with filing for a divorce without expert guidance. While upfront costs for a DIY divorce may seem lower, there may be hidden fees that can quickly add up. Additionally, unless you are a finance expert, you may make decisions that can be costly come tax season. An experienced mediator can help walk you through the divorce process and can make sure you come to an agreement that is mutually beneficial and that makes financial sense for you and your spouse. Furthermore, a mediator can ensure that you do not make any costly mistakes as you get caught up in complex legal documents.     

Complex Paperwork

Perhaps one of the most important reasons to work with a professional when getting a divorce is to have someone by your side to help walk you through all of the complex paperwork. Even if you have researched DIY divorces, it is likely that you will soon get lost in complex legal jargon and endless documents you don’t understand. Not only can this become overwhelming, but it can also cause you to make mistakes that could haunt you in the weeks, and even years, to come. A clerical error caused by a misunderstood phrase or a misplaced checkmark can mean prolonged divorce proceedings, and it can even lead to long-term financial losses. However, a mediator will have a great deal of experience dealing with these types of documents. They can help you to understand everything you are filling out along the way, and they can make sure that everything is filed correctly and in a timely manner.   

Divorce is Not “One Size Fits All”

If you try to handle your divorce on your own, you will likely be presented with a stack of forms that you will have to try to use to file for your divorce. However, these forms are generic and will not be tailored to meet your needs or specific circumstances. This can leave you struggling to determine what to do if a question on a form is not applicable to your situation and you cannot seem to find a form that does apply. The fact is that divorces are complex unless you are young and do not have children, property, and/or businesses. Thusly, it is likely that one size fits all divorce documents will not meet your needs, and you will be better off working with a mediator who can help tailor documents to meet your needs.   

Added Stress

Many people choose DIY divorces under the false pretense that it will be easier. Particularly if the couple is still amicable, it may seem like working everything out on their own will actually save time. However, as we discussed above, the paperwork alone that you will have to deal with when filing for a divorce can be extremely complex. If you try to handle the divorce yourself, you will likely find that this adds stress to an already difficult time in your life. Working with a mediator can help to relieve much of the burden from your shoulders as you can feel rest assured that everything is being handled expertly for you, allowing you to take care of many of the personal matters that you will have to attend to as you go about the process of getting divorced.  

Can Lead to Fighting

Many people see mediators as only necessary if you and your spouse are fighting; however, working with a mediator can also help to keep things civil and can help to prevent future fights. The fact is that people often underestimate how stressful, and emotional, going through a divorce can be. Even if things start out amicable, discussions might break down over seemingly inconsequential details, which can lead to fighting. By working with a mediator, you will have a third-party representative on hand to help you keep things in perspective should emotions start running high. A mediator can help to defuse tensions and ensure that an agreement can be reached that is mutually beneficial to both parties while helping to maintain peace.   

You May Get Taken Advantage Of

Unfortunately, even if things between you and your spouse seem amicable enough, with emotions running high at such a difficult time your spouse might use a DIY divorce as an opportunity to take advantage of you. Without legal knowledge, you then may find yourself signing documents unaware of their full implications. Thusly, even if things seem amicable, it is always in the best interest of both parties to work with a neutral mediator when filing an uncontested divorce in Chicago.

There is often a misconception that if you reach an uncontested divorce in Chicago then there is no need for professional help; however, this is not the case. The fact is that divorces are extremely complex, and even if you and your spouse get along, it is imperative that you have a professional by your side to walk you through this difficult process and ensure that everything is taken care of properly. Without a mediator, you may find that you make costly mistakes, or that you are quickly in over your head. contact Split Simple today to learn more about how you could benefit by consulting a mediator if you plan on filing an uncontested divorce in Chicago.