Do-It-Yourself Divorce Legal Help
Many clients are drawn to our law firm because we offer unbundled legal services. Unbundled legal services are helpful to people who are involved in a "do-it-yourself divorce." Under Washington state's "unbundling rules," people can represent themselves while still permitting attorneys to perform certain tasks for the client.
For several years now, lawyers have created innovative methods of delivering legal services to the public: a lawyer may provide drafting of a document, or advice, or coaching, or other forms of legal assistance to help you represent yourself. A person who represents themselves - also known in the legal community as a "pro se" - is held to the same standard as an attorney, yet an attorney has earned a bachelor's degree, a doctorate in law, and has usually practiced in their field for a number of years. An attorney has the education, knowledge and experience to help you.
Unbundling legal services (also known as having an attorney help you in a limited manner) allows you to take advantage of an attorney's education and experience. You decide how much help you need, and, therefore, you control the costs. This means that you can retain a lawyer for specific tasks, or for only part of a case, or as a coach to tell you how to effectively represent yourself.
Many clients come to us for help with their divorce. They have been able to download some of the forms from http://www.courts.wa.gov/, or perhaps they have paid for one of those "do-it-yourself - fill in the blanks" Internet Programs, but either way, once they've started filling out the forms they quickly learn that many parts consist of "fill in the blanks" and they have no idea how to fill them in. We have lists of optional language to help you choose the language that is most appropriate for your situation.
If you are involved in a do-it-yourself divorce, the Law Offices of Susan Millican O'Brian & Associates, P.S. can help you in whatever capacity you need us. For example, we can:
- Review documents
- Draft documents
- Complete forms
- Answer your questions
Lincoln County Divorce
Have you noticed that most "do-it-yourself" - "fill in the blanks" Internet programs using the Washington State Mandatory Forms advise you to file your case in Lincoln County? Do you know why? Do you know where Lincoln County is? Is there an advantage to filing there? Is there a disadvantage? What happens if you want to later modify or change parenting or support?
If you have real property or children, do NOT file in Lincoln County. Let us help you file in the County where you reside.
Our skilled divorce attorneys can assist you in the initial filings as well as modifications. Our firm strives to mitigate any problems that could arise due to filing in Lincoln County if you choose to do so. We also work with clients who have filed in Lincoln County and now wish to change the venue to King or Snohomish County.
Contact Us for Bellevue and Redmond Unbundled Legal Services
If you are considering a do-it-yourself divorce, talk to a lawyer from the Law Offices of Susan Millican O'Brian & Associates, P.S. We can be reached in Bellevue at 425-505-4006 or in Redmond at 425-296-2778. You can also contact our firm online.
For more information see http://www.obrianfamilylaw.com/.