5 Times When It Isn't a Good Idea to DIY Your Divorce

 Posted on June 24, 2026 in Divorce

Online forms and do-it-yourself divorce kits can make ending a marriage look simple. For some couples with no children and few assets, handling things without the help of a lawyer can work. But many divorces involve money, property, and kids in ways a generic form can’t handle without introducing major risks.

A single mistake on a divorce settlement can follow you for years. If you live in Maryland and are unsure whether you want to work with an attorney or file using automated software, a Perry Hall divorce attorney can help you weigh the risks of a DIY divorce before you file.

What Are Five Examples of When You Should Not Get a DIY Divorce?

Some divorces are straightforward. Others involve issues that cost people tens of thousands of dollars or child custody time they can never get back. Many divorce situations absolutely require the help of a good divorce attorney. These include: 

• You and your spouse have minor children and disagree strongly about custody or support.

• One spouse owns a business, real estate, or retirement accounts.

• There's a history of domestic violence, threats, or controlling behavior.

• You suspect your spouse is hiding money or assets.

• One spouse earns much more than the other, and alimony will likely be a part of the divorce settlement. 

Any one of these factors can turn a simple filing into a complicated case. When two or more are involved in a divorce, working without a lawyer puts you at a serious disadvantage.

Why You Shouldn’t Use DIY Divorce Software 

Each of the situations mentioned above complicates the divorce process and can result in a lopsided balance of power between spouses. For example, if one spouse manages a couple’s finances or hides assets, that spouse starts the divorce with considerably more control over the other spouse. 

Working with a lawyer can allow you to get the financial records you need, freeze accounts so your spouse can’t drain them, and ask the court for temporary support if necessary. These actions aren’t always necessary, but when they are, doing them on your own can be difficult or impossible. 

What Should You Do if Your Divorce Is Too Complex to DIY?

Even if you plan to work with a lawyer, there are things you can do before you file for divorce to set yourself up for success. Start getting together documents that show what you and your spouse own together. If you share minor children, write down the parenting schedule you want. Write down your priorities in other areas (Do you want to stay in the family home? Avoid paying off your spouse’s student loans?) and talk to an attorney to set realistic expectations. 

Can’t We Just Come Up With Our Own Settlement in Our Divorce? 

Maryland couples are indeed encouraged to negotiate their entire divorce settlement outside of court. Judges don’t decide very many divorce cases in 2026. The problem isn’t negotiating a settlement outside of court so much as it is trying to negotiate a settlement when you and your spouse can’t agree on anything. 

Take the example of property division. Per Maryland Family Law §8–205, Maryland uses the principle of equitable distribution, which means marital property is split fairly but not always equally. Your property settlement needs to be not only fair in your eyes, but legitimate under Maryland law. How can you negotiate that if you own assets that are flexible in value, like a 401(k)? What happens if you want the family home, but can’t afford to buy out your spouse? These are difficult questions for most people to answer on their own. 

What Does a Divorce Attorney Help With? 

So, how do you get to the point where your divorce settlement makes sense for you, your spouse, and your kids, especially if it includes complicated assets or you can’t talk to each other without fighting? This is where an experienced attorney makes all the difference. 

Your divorce attorney will: 

• Negotiate on your behalf with your spouse or their attorney 

• Help you work with a mediator, if necessary 

• Explain the law and what you are entitled to

• Help you set reasonable expectations for your divorce settlement

• Think of creative solutions to difficult problems 

• Ask the court for temporary financial support, if necessary 

• Handle all the paperwork and filing deadlines for you 

For the vast majority of people getting divorced, the tradeoff of paying an attorney is well worth the peace of mind they get from knowing things are done right. 

Call a Talbot County, MD Family Law Attorney Today

A DIY divorce can feel cheaper today, but it could cost you for years. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we give every client supportive, one-on-one guidance. We bring over 50 years of experience to every case, and most of our team has worked together for a decade. Call our Perry Hall divorce lawyers to make sure you aren’t taking unnecessary risks by handling your divorce on your own. 

Call Zide Law Group, LLC at 410-760-9433 today to schedule your consultation.