For me this is like the "sharing a lawyer" discussion. Depends what you are both after, if you are both looking for the same thing, a clean break, sharing the child, some financial stability, but not "cashing in tremendously" why not go with no lawyer or share the same lawyer. I think that you only needs to involve a lawyer or get seperate lawyers if you are not coming to a meeting of the minds. I know that happens allot in divorce. But if you agree on most things, why waste the money. In the end, lawyer or not, its all in black and white. I did not use a lawyer with my divorce, but we agreed on everything too.

I agree with CW , why make the lawyers rich if you don't need to. If you can make it work and you feel comfortable, I say go for it..

I say get a lawyer. Things change as the divorce proceeds. You need protection. I make ten times what my stbx husband makes. We tried cordial it didn't work. I had everything to lose trying to do it without a lawyer. I have numerous properties and he first wanted equality for everything I paid for, then he wanted it all. I say lawyer up girl.

Get your own attorney, never ever share an attorney as the attorney can only do what's best for one, he or she can not represent both parties so he or she will do what's best for the one they respresent. Someone said things change as time goes on and believe me it really does. Never ever ever trust your soon to be ex. That is a must.

Consult with a lawyer regardless, however be cautious, they do tend to instigate things and basically you will end up giving most of the money to pay your lawyer anyway. I would suggest mediation, it is inexpensive, I would also recommend taking advantage of multiple free consultations, you can usually get at least one question answered in each consultation before they start giving you the run around. Lawyers make a lot of money and well the more "problems..." well... the more money they make, so it is in their best interest to get you riled up. Keep this in mind and choose your battles wisely. Allow a little give and take because once you get your husband into battle mode, well it is hard to get him out. I think a peaceful, fair, mediated... resolution is best. That way you can walk away happy, not owing a lot of money and he can walk away happy so that he doesn't feel the need to battle or lash out at you.

I would consult with a lawyer an agree with WillSurvive. Better safe than sorry. Or maybe try a mediator. I have heard they work if both parties want to work together. ~P

I have been married several times and am working on my third divorce. you should at least have a lawyer look over anything you have to sign. You don't even have to tell him.

I worked for lawyers for over 20 years and DO NOT GET THE SAME LAWYER. If you can go to mediation that is the best thing you can do.. all things will come out in mediation and you will find out if your husband really means what he says and everything can be done amicably, which most of the time doesn't work out as each says it will. If mediation does not work, get yourself a lawyer who doesn't even know your husband. Most women get screwed in a divorce when the husband says "we don't need a lawyer or use the same one". Most I say, not all. But many women find out they do not know the man they married at all when it comes to a divorce. And when you have property and more money involved you need to get your share in writing. Protect yourself and your children because no one else will.

I would suggest to just have an initial consultation with a lawyer for a couple hundred bucks (be armed with questions specifically: alimony, child support, retirement, assets and liabities...get all docs that can help your lawyer determine such as your s2bx's paystub)and be informed of what you are entitled to. Once you are armed with your legal rights, let him know that you know your rights. If you are seeking everything that the law would provide and he is in agreement, then you may just google "self help divorce in your state" and see the procedures and paperwork you would need to proceed with the divorce. However, if he does not agree to what you are fully entitled to, then I suggest you hire a lawyer.

Simple. Get a lawyer. :-) He may be acting congenial now, but who knows a few weeks or months from now. it's better to work with someone. it helps to have a cool head involved and someone who knows the law.

and we aren't making lawyers rich. this is their job. just like our jobs. they get paid for a service. period. would you like it if people said that about your jobs? i think not!