Do-It-Yourself Divorce Trend
Do-It-Yourself Divorce Trend
By Maureen Naylor, ABC-30
1/2/2007 - They call it a "do-it-yourself divorce". And in California, a majority of people choosing to end their marriages do so without a lawyer. But it's something legal experts say can bring big problems.
Like many others...Teresa Camarillo never expected her marriage to end. "It was 'til death do you part and I didn't think I was going to get divorced," Camarillo says.
But after only 6 months married to her boyfriend of 12 years, Camarillo filed for divorce and did so without a lawyer.
"It was very expensive, and I thought I was maybe smart enough and thought how hard could it be? We didn't have property together. But it ended up being a lot more difficult than I thought," said Camarillo.
Court officials estimate 80% of Californians file for divorce themselves without a lawyer, and 33% of those still aren't finalized.
The high cost of divorce often drives people to bookstores, where shelves are lined with divorce literature, including a $35 "No Fault Divorce Kit" that claims to have a 100% guarantee. But experts say things like that can do more trouble than do good.
Divorce lawyer Dorothy Carroll says, "The problem with the do-it-yourself is you're usually doing it wrong."
Carroll says all too often people don't complete the process and many unknowingly break the law and become bigamists, because they remarry before they're legally divorced.
But hiring a lawyer is often costly. Carroll has handled divorces ranging from $750 to $50,000.
"Custody battles tend to be the nastiest and most costly because it's good people at a bad time and the last thing they can hold onto is a child," says Carroll.
After five years of headaches, Camarillo eventually hired a lawyer and ended up paying more than $5,000. Lawyers say seeking advice in the beginning can mean a cheaper divorce in the long run.
Carroll advises, "At least go talk to someone about it. It's either a free consult often times, or so it's a couple hundred dollars that can save you many thousands of dollars down the road."
Comments
I can use some input on my situation..In Nov 1989.My wife left me and my two son's age 11,and 16..In Dec 1989 I filed for divorce in San Mateo county.She left with her new partner to Sourthern California.And took all our saving's and newest car.It wasn't easy but I grauated my boy's from private school.And help them get there high school diploma's.Driver Lincesce.And life when on.My oldest son was down south in Oxnard and when thru the Victory Outreach so call we will help you get your life together program.He was marry to a younger girl.Was only married in Church.Without California Marriage License.Well he pass away at 26,with 3 children.In July 11,1999.She and her girl friend also when thru the program which is not right.Before he pass away they came back.From Southern California.And we got along.Well his death put us all together again.And now live in the city of Lodi.To make this a short story but true I got married in Reno.Febuary 1999..To my best friend girl..So we came back married never lived together and she when back to him.I never did anything about the marriage because I just didn't have the time to sort it out.Well 2 month's ago her roomate now.She my ex told her once girlfriend for over 18 year's.She wasn't going to be gay any more.So her roommate just flip's out and is 15 years younger than here.So after they been liven in Lodi.Which I came in Late 1999 with my son.Me and roomate become attach and add a super romance.My ex flips out.She bother us from day 1.And fell apart.So after 2 months she talk's her roommate into moving back with her saying it's not what the lord would like.So she's find's out we never rec'd a final degree of our divorce.And tell's her roomate I am still married to this other woman.Which I haven't talk to her so after we were married no attachments.Nothing together.She been in and out jail several time's which doesn;t mean anything to me.So if me and my first wife were not legally divorce,when I got married to the 2nd wife.In Reno doe's that make that marriage not legal..I still have our case record.But she is right saying we never got a final degree saying we are divorce.Then I find out my lawyer only file for legal seperation.So she find's out the girl I married was still married to someone else.I have no idea what to do if I have to locate her I have no idea's were she is at.And do not want to deal with her..So please anyone can you provide me help on this. Thank You..Stuck in Lodi..
Posted by: manny | February 25, 2007 8:15 AM