What are the pros and cons of getting a divorce lawyer?

Most of the time you do need some assistance. It can cost more to "fix" a divorce that is done incorrectly, than to just do it right in the first place. Even if you and your spouse are going to agree to a property division and are representing yourselves, I would strongly recommend that you take your materials in and have a family lawyer review them. Do either of you have a pension? That alone requires considerable expertise. Are you dividing real estate that has mortgages on it? Another good reason to get advice. Good luck!

Attorney Hoerauf is absolutely correct. It is worth spending a little now to avoid spending a lot later. Many attorneys offer a free initial consultation. Take an afternoon and visit a few before you make a final hiring decision.

I would highly recommend hiring an attorney to handle your divorce, even an uncontested divorce. The are many local rules and procedures that must be followed that your local attorney would be familiar with. The are various filings other than the complaint, dissolution agreement, and orders that need to be prepared and filed. There are various laws that have to be complied with, even if both parties are in agreement. An attorney will also protect your interest by placing provisions in the agreement that you might not of considered, or might not have known the legal consequences of doing so would be in your best interest. The only con would be the expense to hire an attorney. If the divorce is contested then you absolutely need to hire an attorney. It will be much more expensive than hiring an attorney to handle an uncontested divorce.

I am fully capable of changing the oil in my car on my own but I pay someone else to do it because of the substantial risk that I will screw something up and it will end up costing way more than I saved. And there is a 100% chance that I will get all dirty. Follow?

I would suggest that it is very important to at least consult an attorney who has practiced Family Law in the court in your jurisdiction to discuss the issues involved in your particular case. Even if you have a no asset, no liability, no children divorce there are procedural requirements for you to have your divorce case heard and to have your judgment entered. If you do have children and/or if you do have assets and liabilities I believe it is in your best interest to retain an attorney to inform you of your rights and obligations and to advise you as to your best course of action.