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Disclaimer: Nothing in this website should be taken as legal advice. My goal is to share general information about mediation and related topics. If you need legal advice, speak with a licensed South Carolina attorney. I am not admitted to practice in South Carolina.
Charleston Divorce Mediatiors, LLC - Divorce Lawyers Who Mediate
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Is a DIY Divorce Possible in Charleston, SC?

• By Catherine Marra


You’ve been able to do other things on your own. Now you wonder: Is it possible to handle my own divorce without hiring a lawyer?

Many people prefer “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) solutions for common services and products to save money. YouTube videos and online companies make it seem like anyone can handle their own divorce if they are just willing to spend some time learning the process and fill out some forms.

While a DIY divorce can sound enticing, it’s important to understand everything that’s involved in the process and what the risks are.

The Basics of DIY Divorce

A DIY divorce means you handle all the paperwork and filings yourself. The technical term for this is filing your divorce pro se. For those who like being hands-on, this can seem appealing.

But the free forms offered by the state of South Carolina are only part of the equation. You need to know how to fill them out correctly. If you don’t fill out forms accurately, you could face delays or rejections.

Besides that, you need to understand eligibility and filing requirements, while being sure to follow all the procedural rules in place. The process can be summarized in the following steps:

  1. Meet Eligibility Requirements: You and your spouse must have lived at least 1 year apart before filing divorce.
  2. Gather Necessary Forms: You can find the required forms online or at the courthouse.
  3. Fill Out Forms Accurately: This includes information about marital property, children, and any debts.
  4. File Forms with the Court: Submit your paperwork to the court and pay any filing fees.
  5. Serve Your Spouse: Legally notify your spouse of the divorce filing.
  6. Attend Court Hearings: Be prepared for any required court appearances.

For people willing to put in the time and effort, these hurdles can be cleared.

A DIY Divorce Only Works If Spouses Agree on Everything

The bigger issue of a DIY divorce is whether both spouses can agree on all terms. If this is the case, a DIY divorce can be an effective way of saving money.

However, problems arise when there’s disagreement. What if you can’t agree on child custody or how to divide your assets? In these cases, a DIY divorce can become complicated and stressful. You might end up needing professional help anyway, which will cost more in the long run.

Divorce Mediation Can Assist A DIY Divorce When Disagreement Happens

If you and your spouse can’t agree, divorce mediation may be the solution to getting an affordable divorce on your terms.

With divorce mediation, a neutral third-party mediator will guide you and your spouse to work through disagreements in a structured setting.  You can discuss child custody, property division, and support in a way that feels fair to both parties.

If mediation is successful, you will have a settlement agreement that you can take with you. At this point, you have the option of filing it with the court yourself. Alternatively, you can have my mediation firm handle the process for you.

If maintaining control of your divorce is important to you but disagreement is unavoidable, mediation may be the missing puzzle piece to handling your own divorce.

Is Filing Divorce by Yourself Right for You?

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Are you and your spouse in agreement on all divorce terms?
  • Do you have the time and patience to manage the paperwork?
  • Are you comfortable navigating the legal system?

If you answered yes to each of these questions, a DIY divorce might work.

But if there’s any doubt or disagreement, consider mediation. It’s a great way to resolve disputes without the high costs and stress of a courtroom battle. Plus, you get the support of a trained mediator who can help you both reach a fair agreement. Contact me @ 843-323-4687

Divorce is a big decision. Make sure you choose the path that’s right for you and your family.

Divorce Mediator Catherine Marra

About Catherine Marra

Catherine Marra is a Mediator with over 30 years of experience in Family Law, including 20 years in private practice and 10 years as a Family Court Magistrate. She uses her knowledge and experience to guide couples in negotiating divorce settlements so they can save money, complete the divorce process quicker, and get better outcomes than they would at trial.