In recent years, the number of divorces seen nation-wide has increased dramatically. Currently, there is a 40% chance that a person’s first marriage will end in divorce. The number does not get better for subsequent attempts with 60% of second marriages ending in divorce and 75% of third marriages ending. With the rise in these costs, there was a trend in Florida for people to represent themselves in their divorce proceedings.
Pro se litigants, Latin meaning “for himself, in his own behalf, in person,” means that a person does not hire a lawyer to represent him in a civil or criminal matter. In divorce, this is a risky option because divorce laws are so complicated and the battles can take months. Does an individual really have the time to think about this stuff for months on end if they are also trying to work at the same time? I think not. The main reason that people are representing themselves in divorce proceedings is that they cannot afford the legal representation. Many people can not afford to hire a lawyer but do not qualify for free or pro bono representation. Other people that are conducting their own divorce proceedings can hire a lawyer but choose not to do so.