Will an attorney improve my chances? If yes, how significantly?

In theory there should be no problem in getting your final orders entered. It won't be by default, since your wife signed a joinder. Your final orders have to be identical to the relief sought in the petition (in my office we actually attach the proposed final orders to the petition itself). However, the Commissioners are often critical or skeptical about such orders, and may require you to give prior notice of entry of the orders to your wife. It’s always best to consult with a good family law attorney to discuss the details before you act. See my Legal Guides on divorce, service of process, vacating court orders and default for more information about the legal issues raised by your inquiry. Please keep in mind that although my Answers and Legal Guides are often informative, they are no substitute for legal advice from an attorney you have retained for consultation or representation. There are always exceptions to the general rules. To find my Legal Guides, click on my photo. On my home page click on "Contributor Level - View Contributions" or scroll down further and click on "Contribution - Legal Guides." Scroll down the list of my 32 Legal Guides and select the topics relevant to your question. If you like my answer and Legal Guides, please make sure you mark them as “helpful” or “best answer”. © Bruce Clement