It was announced this week that Kris Jenner filed for divorce from, Bruce Jenner, her husband of 23 years. She filed “In Pro Per” which means that she did not use a lawyer to complete her documents. The news report stated that they had “come to an agreement”. What I find interesting about this announcement is that almost every celebrity who has ever had divorce documents filled out and filed use a lawyer. Yet these two, who obviously have the funds available for a lawyer choose to represent themselves. Why do you suppose that is?
For one thing, when you represent yourself, and use a Legal Document Assistant, you have total control over all aspects of your divorce. You and your spouse are the ones that decide everything. Another good thing about representing yourself is that in most counties in California, if you agree and submit the divorce documents in a timely fashion, you won’t even need to go to Court. The two of you discuss, either by phone, in person, by text or email, however is comfortable to you, all aspects of your divorce. Once you’ve determined what your issues are and have agreed on them, your Legal Document Assistant will fill out the divorce documents and in most cases, submit them to Court for you, if you wish.
Another positive aspect about doing your own divorce is that, as long as you stay agreeable and submit the divorce documents to the Court in the proper time, things move much quicker. Yes, it still takes 6 months and 1 day from date of service to become final. But your time spent with your Legal Document Assistant filling out divorce documents is only about 2 to 3 months. And if you need advice most Legal Document Assistants have lawyers that they will refer you to.
It appears that Kris and Bruce Jenner thought about their options and chose the best course of action for them by filing their divorce documents “In Pro Per”. If you and your spouse are contemplating filing for divorce, feel that you can be agreeable and don’t need advice, weigh YOUR options. You may be better off following Kris and Bruce’s lead.
“I am not an attorney. I can only offer self-help at your specific direction.”