It can be expensive and time consuming to get divorced.Once the divorce is finalized, you will have to file many documents with the court.It's possible to complete and file these documents with the help of someone else.If you can, hire a divorce attorney to help you navigate the judicial system.If you are looking for an affordable method of filing for divorce, hiring a paralegal is a good secondary option.
Step 1: Know what a paralegal is.
It is important to understand what a paralegal is.A paralegal is someone with special training, education, and experience who works under the supervision of a licensed attorney.A lot of paralegals work for attorneys, but they can also offer their services on their own.While paralegals are often seen as legal in nature, they are not licensed attorneys and cannot practice law.Paralegals have an in-depth knowledge of the law and the legal process and usually understand legal matters just as well as attorneys.A paralegal will usually have years of experience drafting divorce forms and understanding how to serve them on the other party.
Step 2: Consider paralegal credentials and certifications.
Some states do not require paralegals to be certified.Think about your state's paralegal certification process if you want to learn about paralegals.If your state doesn't require paralegals to get certified, look for optional certification programs.National Association of Legal Assistants offers a national certification process for paralegals.Consideration should be given to whether or not professional certification is important to you.
Step 3: Understand what a paralegal can and can't do.
Think about the limits of what a paralegal can do before you hire one.A paralegal can prepare divorce documents, tell you where the forms need to be filed, and give you instructions on how to serve the other party.A paralegal can't practice law.A paralegal won't be able to give you legal advice and represent you in court.While a paralegal can help you fill out forms, they have to be careful not to answer your legal questions, even if they relate to the filling out of your divorce forms
Step 4: The divorce can be difficult.
Because paralegals can't give you legal advice or represent you in court, hiring a paralegal to handle a divorce may not be the best option.If your divorce is expected to be friendly and uncomplicated, you may want to hire a paralegal.If your divorce will involve property distribution, child custody issues, and court hearings, you may want to consider hiring a divorce lawyer.
Step 5: You can calculate the cost of your options.
You have three options if you are thinking about divorce.You can handle the matter on your own.If you choose this option, you won't have to pay anyone for their services, but you will need to devote a lot of time to learning the law and completing the court forms yourself.If you and your spouse can agree on everything about the divorce, this may be a good option.You have the option to hire an attorney.The most expensive option usually yields the best results.A trained attorney can give you legal advice and services.It can cost as much as $500 an hour to hire a divorce lawyer.You can hire a paralegal.The middle ground for those who cannot afford an attorney but do not have time to complete all the divorce tasks on their own is offered by this option.A paralegal can cost between $50 and $100 an hour.
Step 6: It is important to make an informed decision.
If you have a better idea of what a paralegal is, you can make an informed decision about hiring one.If you choose to hire a paralegal instead of hiring an attorney or handling the divorce on your own, you will need to find one that can help you with your needs.
Step 7: Determine what type of paralegal you need.
Understanding what type of paralegal you are looking for is the first step to finding a quality paralegal.If you are going to be going through a divorce, you will want to narrow your paralegal search to those with experience in family law.If you want to find paralegals who have worked with divorce lawyers, try and find one who still works for a divorce lawyer.Look for people with experience filling out divorce forms.Do not look for a criminal paralegal to help with your divorce.
Step 8: Contact the local paralegal services.
Every state has paralegal services that you can call for help with a divorce.You can use the phone book to find paralegals.You can either look through their website or call to inquire about their services.In California, Just Document preparation provides local document preparation services to those looking for a cheaper alternative to hiring an attorney.
Step 9: Take a look at online listings.
Most people will advertise their services on the internet.It's a good idea to conduct an online search.Look for "divorce paralegals in your city" and see what comes up.You can use sources like LawInfo.com to help you find what you're looking for.Some sources will charge you for their services.There are reviews on sites.Peer reviews can be helpful in narrowing down your search for paralegals.
Step 10: You can get referrals and recommendations.
Talk to people who have used a paralegal's services.Find out who they hired, if they were happy with the service, and why.Ask if they would recommend the paralegal.
Step 11: Take a look at each choice's background.
Review every person's background before you make a final list.You can use the internet to find paralegals.There are certifications and credentials for paralegals.If you have the chance, you should always look to hire a certified paralegal.If the paralegal you are looking at has any complaints, you should check with the Better Business Bureau.Call and ask about their educational background.A good divorce paralegal has years of experience drafting divorce documents.
Step 12: A list of possible choices.
The paralegal's name, address, phone number, and website should be included.This information will help you organize your results.
Step 13: To meet with your top choices, make an appointment.
When you have created a short list of candidates, call them and ask for an appointment.It is nice to meet with potential paralegals and interview them.
Step 14: Write the questions down.
Write out any questions you have for the paralegal before your appointment.Some of the questions may be related to the types of services they offer.Pricing, the amount of time they expect it will take to complete your work, their experience with divorce cases and documents, and their record of misconduct are some areas to ask about.
Step 15: You should bring your documents with you to your appointment.
In order for a paralegal to help, they will need to look at the documents you brought in.Any documents you are asked to bring, as well as anything else you think may be helpful, should be brought.You can locate these documents on the day of your appointment by gathering them ahead of time.
Step 16: Attend your appointment.
A lot of independent divorce paralegals will ask you to fill out a questionnaire before your appointment.If they can be the ones to assist you, the paralegal will use the questionnaire to determine the types of services that are needed.Paralegals don't want to give legal advice during the appointment.One way of making sure they don't do that is through the use of questionnaires.A divorce paralegal can ask basic questions about your marriage, your property, and your reasons for wanting a divorce.
Step 17: You can choose a paralegal.
If you want to get along with your paralegal, choose one with a strong resume and a good knowledge of divorce proceedings.Choose a different paralegal if the paralegal makes you feel uncomfortable or wants you to do unethical things.Consider how well the appointment went.If the paralegal did not attend to your needs or understand your questions, look for a different paralegal.The paralegal you choose will help you through your divorce process.