British society is slowly being dominated by DIY divorces. The changing social scenario coupled with changes in people attitudes and behaviour patterns has prompted an upward spiral of DIY divorces. The reasons why DIY is the preferred method, mainly revolve around the concept of convenience and affordability. In addition, DIY divorces are easily accessible they can be purchased at a supermarket. DIY divorces schedule themselves in accordance with the lifestyle and pace of the individual. In short, DIYs are:
- Affordable
- Convenient
- Accessible involving minimal or no legal hassles or confrontations
But this does not mean that the traditional solicitor-aided divorce has lost its appeal and audience. Solicitor-driven divorces have their own niche market boasting of their own advantages. In fact, family solicitor firms in London and Bath the UK Family Solicitors-- prefer face-to-face meetings with clientele to sort out and collate divorce issues and documents. Thus, DIY divorces exist amicably with solicitor divorce firms in British society.
The Difference
Select Audience: DIYs are usually purchased and used by professional couples ranging in the ages of 25-32. Social psychologists go a step further arguing that the dramatic rise of migrant marriages and consequent divorces has increased the rate of DIYs. These couples do not understand the meaning of marriage and enter holy matrimony only for fun and pleasure. When the going gets tough, they quit. This forms a primary reason why these couples tend to shop for quick and painless divorces. DIY guarantees convenience and speed with no financial or emotional investment. The individual simply has to sign the petition to get the final divorce decree and quickly move ahead. There are no meetings, discussions and confrontations. Thus, DIY divorces can only apply to couples who fulfill certain conditions:
- The divorces have to be uncontested which means that both parties concerned have to agree to a settlement on every mater i.e. financial, legal and emotional
- The marriage should not have any minor children below the age of 16 and those who are pursuing full-time education. This clause ensures that there is no bitter argument and disagreement regarding child custody issues.
- Both parties should maintain a healthy mental, emotional and social temperament meaning that no partner should be subject to any mental or emotional disorder. No partner should be a victim of personality and chronic physical disabilities.
- The divorce settlement has to be signed with mutual consent from both involved parties meaning there should not be any sort of emotional, mental or physical coercion involved.
Affordability: DIY Divorces are inexpensive. Further, DIY divorces offer convenience and a feeling of control being in charge. Divorcing couples are no longer left at the mercy of lawyers and courts. DIY divorces save up to 550 pounds. They cut into lawyer costs, transportation and documentation-collecting costs. DIY packs and kits range from 15 pounds to 75 pounds.
In contrast, solicitor-aided divorces are considered quite expensive. Couples contemplating divorce have to pay the solicitor by the hour. This usually does not include documentation and costs of the legal team. In case of contested divorces, expenses include investigative and interview charges. In short, clients end up investing in layering, travelling, documentation and scheduling charges. Apart from financial expenses, clients also invest in time and energy. In comparison, clients save time and energy in a DIY divorce.
The existence and popularity of divorce firms simply indicate that traditional legal firms still function on a large scale providing various services to clientele. Whatever method, be it DIY or solicitor-aided divorce, the interests of the client remain key. Any method exists and will only continue to be popular and in demand if it fulfils the interests of the individual. In others words, client satisfaction is the relative factor determining the existence of any method in society.
