Jason E. Treherne Family Law Blog on Lawyers.com

During a dissolution of marriage it is common for only one party to be represented by an attorney.  It may not be a good idea to be the unrepresented party.  An attorney can only represent one side in a lawsuit, and a dissolution is a lawsuit.  If your husband or wife hires the attorney to prepare the dissolution documents, that attorney is not representing you.  That attorney is representing your husband or wife.  If you decide to go it alone you could unknowingly give up your rights to receive spousal support or property or retirement benefits.  You may end up saving a few thousand dollars in attorney fees and losing several thousands of dollars in marital assets.  

Many attorneys will provide hourly rates and free initial consultations.  You may find that hiring a competent attorney to represent you in a dissolution is not as expensive as you think.