I have decided to get a divorce from my husband but am unsure about what I should do. I have heard that a divorce application can be easily commenced using a divorce kit. Can I use one or should I hire a lawyer?
Lawyer Answers (1): Answers from lawyers are general preliminary responses. They are not formal legal advice and cannot taken account of all your circumstances. They do not create a lawyer–client relationship.
Answer by Pearl Beaumont, Bronte 2024 NSW
- This is your decision.
- If you instruct a lawyer they will charge you fees for doing this work for you. It may be an hourly rate or they may give you a lump sum fee for completing the divorce application from the information and instructions you provide.
- An application fee must be paid regardless of whether you or a lawyer prepares the forms. You can find information about court fees from the Family Law Courts website: http://www.familylawcourts.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/FLC/Home/Fees/Court+fees/
- Whilst it is a relatively simple process and it will be a lot cheaper to do it yourself there are many legitimate reasons you may wish to get the help of a lawyer.
- Separation and divorce are difficult times and it may give you peace of mind to get the help of a lawyer.