OriginalName Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 Well, I finally got served my divorce papers today. But now I wonder, what do I do next? Do I absolutely need a lawyer? I really can't afford one, but if I must have one I guess I will figure out a way. I just don't really know what my next steps are. It says I have 35 days to respond, but respond to what? I don't really have any objections to what I see on the documentation. So what do I have to do next? I'm in NJ. Thanks Link to post Share on other sites
jen1447 Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 What do you have in the way of joint assets/property, and is the split friendly or acrimonious? Any children? 2 Link to post Share on other sites
bubbaganoosh Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 Well if your soon to be ex has one then you should also have one ot you can get sliced to ribbons. Link to post Share on other sites
Author OriginalName Posted May 6, 2015 Author Share Posted May 6, 2015 What do you have in the way of joint assets/property, and is the split friendly or acrimonious? Any children? It's essentially friendly. I just want to get it over with. We have two children but we agreed to joint custody. And I am giving her the house out right. I just want her to give me a small sum of money to sign it over to her. Which she has agreed to Link to post Share on other sites
PegNosePete Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 It's certainly possible to do it without a lawyer, just as it's possible to fix your car or extend your house without hiring an expert in that field. But when you blow up your alternator or when rain starts leaking through your roof, it may cost you more to fix it than it would have cost to hire a professional from the get-go. If you want to try it yourself then I would suggest reading, reading and reading some more about the procedure in your jurisdiction. It can vary widely in different locations. Make sure you understand the potential implications of what you're signing and what you're agreeing to. Make sure whatever you do is binding in law and doesn't leave the door open to future claims. There are several examples of people who've divorced, won the lottery 10 years later, and their ex-spouse had a claim on the winnings... which could've easily been avoided if they'd signed the proper paperwork. Often an hour's worth of lawyers fees are well worth it, even if you think you've got it all wrapped up. Link to post Share on other sites
jen1447 Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 Yeah, get a lawyer. You do have at least a couple interests to protect. It doesn't have to be real expensive if it's an easy case. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author OriginalName Posted May 6, 2015 Author Share Posted May 6, 2015 Yeah, get a lawyer. You do have at least a couple interests to protect. It doesn't have to be real expensive if it's an easy case. Thanks. I'll look into that Link to post Share on other sites
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