DIY Divorce
Limited Legal Services
Special Consultations: $500 and up
Maybe your separation or divorce seems pretty simple because you and your partner are in apparent agreement on most points. That’s a good place to be. But, even in the most agreeable of situations, it’s still crucial to avoid overlooking important details or legal requirements that may not be obvious to you. Some couples feel they really don’t need a full mediation process to resolve their issues. For those who prefer a more “DIY” divorce, I am available to provide whatever level of limited assistance that you might require, including:
- Answering relevant legal questions
- Explaining the court process
- Reviewing & correcting legal forms (if you wish prepare & file those yourself)
- Considering how to handle retirement benefits (to avoid taxes and penalties)
- Identifying other tax issues (filing joint or separate returns, sharing tax deductions, etc.)
- Referring you to other professionals as needed (for example, for tax advice or assistance, special needs parenting expertise, or to prepare a “Qualified Domestic Relations Order” to share employment-based retirement accounts such as a 401k, 403b, pension plans, etc.
- Providing advice, strategy and coaching as you negotiate with your partner
- Preparing & filing legal papers for you (once you have agreed on all issues)
Handling Your Legal Papers: $850
Many people find the Oregon on-line legal forms to be very non-user friendly. If you’re in that category, and have reached a full agreement on all relevant issues, I am available to prepare, file and process all the mandatory legal dissolution papers through the court system for a flat fee of $875. This includes:
- A free consultation to discuss the options, and ensure this is the right fit for your situation
- Completion of a short questionnaire with the information necessary for the paperwork
- Drafting all the required forms for your review and approval
- Processing the forms through the court system to ensure they are approved by the Judge (usually within 4 weeks).
- If the General Judgment form on the court’s website is not appropriate for your situation (for example, you are transferring retirement benefits using a QDRO), then I can also prepare that document a well for an additional charge.
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