In Florida, it involves court filings, strict deadlines, and rules that can be hard to understand without training. The honest answer to the question is no—you should never try to handle a divorce without a lawyer. Doing so can create long-term problems that are difficult, if not impossible, to rectify.
Florida Law Is More Complex Than It Looks
Some people file for divorce without an attorney, but they’re taking a huge risk.
The forms you can submit to the court don’t explain your rights. They don’t walk you through what happens if your spouse changes their mind or hides assets. They don’t prepare you for a custody dispute or a disagreement over alimony. And they certainly don’t tell you how to protect yourself financially or emotionally during the process.
You might think things will go smoothly because you and your spouse agree, for now. But situations change. Emotions shift. What seemed like a “simple” divorce can quickly become complicated. Without an attorney to advise you, you may make decisions you later regret, and you might not even realize the consequences until it’s too late.
Mistakes Can Be Costly and Permanent
In Florida, the court divides marital property based on what it considers “equitable.” That doesn’t always mean equal. Without a lawyer, you could end up giving away assets you were entitled to keep. Or you might agree to pay more than you should in spousal support because you didn’t understand your legal options.
Child custody presents even more serious risks.
Florida courts apply a “best interests of the child” standard, which involves several key legal factors. A parenting plan that looks fine now could cause future problems if it’s poorly drafted or lacks flexibility. And if you give up certain rights during the divorce, it may be challenging to regain them later.
Alimony is another area where people often make mistakes.
Florida recognizes several types of spousal support, each with specific rules. Without legal advice, you might not know which kind applies to your case or how to ask for it properly. A mistake here could leave you without the support you need to rebuild your life.
Representing Yourself Puts You at a Disadvantage
Judges in Florida must remain neutral. They can’t give you legal advice or help you fix errors in your case. If your spouse hires an attorney and you don’t, that attorney has no duty to explain anything to you. You’ll be expected to understand court procedures, legal arguments, and how to present evidence. One missed deadline or incorrect filing could delay your case or lead to an unfavorable outcome.
Even if you make it through the process, any mistakes in your divorce agreement can be hard to undo. Courts rarely change final judgments unless there’s a significant legal reason. That means a poor decision now could affect your finances, your children, and your future for years to come.
Are you considering divorce? Has your spouse requested a divorce? The Law Offices of Robert M. Geller can help you understand your rights and legal options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
