Can you get a legal separation without hiring an attorney?
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Can you get a legal separation without hiring an attorney?
We are considering getting a legal separation instead of a divorce so that I can
stay on his insurance since I am unable to work a regular job. He was told or
read online that we can do a legal separation without a lawyer and then figure
out all the details like spousal support etc. later after I move out next year when
our youngest child graduates. I am not convinced that this is a wise course of
action or even possible. We have been married 27 years and have one child who
is 17.
Asked on July 23, 2019 under Family Law, Alabama
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 4 years ago | Contributor
"Wise" and "possible" are two very diffent things. You can get a legal separation without an attorney: a person may always represent himself or herself ("pro se") in a legal proceeding or matter. But it's not a good idea, because the lawyer will think of and take care of things that will not even occur to you. It's like you legally could set your own bone and stitch up your own badly broken leg--but doing so would be a very bad idea. Hire the expert (lawyer) to help you.
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