A blog reader referred me to an interesting article about the decrease of divorces during times of economic recession. Couples simply can't afford the process - primarily due to the real estate slump. The substantial legal fees for both sides in a divorce represent a heavy, often prohibitive burden.
"For divorce lawyers, the economic slump is beginning to have a real impact. In a nationwide survey of divorce lawyers by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 37 percent reported a drop in divorce cases during the recent tough economic times..." - Alex Johnson, reporter for MSNBC.com
I wonder if my former divorce lawyer, Barry Finkle of Fort Lauderdale, has experienced this trend? I imagine that if people are price shopping for legal represenation, Finkel would be ineligible since his rates are at the high end of the scale compared to other lawyers practicing family law in Broward County. (note to self: Why do they call it "practicing" law and not "mastering" law?).
In retrospect, I wish that I had chosen to be a Pro Se Litigant - a person who appears in court without the assistance of a lawyer. I would have saved thousands of dollars!!! The Broward County Self Service Web Application gives assistance in preparing court documents online for those who choose not to have an attorney draft them. It looks pretty do-able, especially for cases like mine where there were no children in the scenario. I was the best person to represent myself to a judge, yet I foolishly put my faith and funds in someone who does not service my best interest. You will never find a better advocate for yourself than - yourself.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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