HOUSTON—Timothy Walker, a Navy recruiter and father of two young sons, wanted a divorce but he could not afford what lawyers were asking.
“I don’t have wads of money in my pocket,” Walker said.
So he called an outfit called Affordable Divorce. He ended up paying about $400 for his divorce, which became final last month.
Divorce attorneys charge anywhere from $1000 to $2500, or even more, depending on the case.
That’s why business partners Equator Turner, an attorney, and Jimisu Balko founded Affordable Divorce.
A quick search on the internet shows low-cost divorces are everywhere. Some advertise fees of as little as $199.
But the divorce case cannot be contested in any way, not when it comes to property or child custody issues or anything else. These divorces are also do-it-yourself operations. The divorce firm typically gives you the proper forms, some legal guidance and you do your own phone work, leg work, filings at the courthouse and you go to court by yourself. You typically also serve your spouse with divorce papers.
“There’s really no reason – I hope I’m not stepping on anyone’s toes – to have an attorney stand there and hold your hand as long as it is a simple uncontested divorce,” said Balko, who also added she is “pro-marriage” and would prefer to see couples work out their differences.
Single mom Ada Sotelo also opted for a low-cost divorce.
“It was said and done and I got my last name (back),” she said. “The money played an important part because, you know, I’m a single mother.”
South Texas College of Law Professor Gerald Treece said beware.
“It’s like walking across a mine field,” said Treece. “The odds are you’re gonna’ make it. The odds are you’re going to be okay. But if you get blown up, then you pay a lot of money trying to fix all the damage.”
Still, more folks are staying out of the attorney’s office and going through a divorce the same way they’re now going through life—on their own.
Via: KHOU.com
