Marrying Yourself is the latest trend
New couples are opting for an easier, faster and cheaper wedding ceremony by marrying themselves. In places like Washington, D.C., a wedding ceremony does not need to be officiated by a religious figure, judge or other third parties anymore. Quite literally — the marriage only takes two.
This new trend is called a “self-uniting marriage,”. And while it is becoming popular among young couples on the East Coast, it is not legal in Arizona yet. Advocates of the self-uniting marriage are often attracted to the idea because it is so inexpensive. While the average American wedding bears a price tag exceeding $30,000, the only cost associated with a self-uniting marriage is the marriage license. In D.C., you can marry yourself for as little as $45. While getting hitched has never seemed easier, getting divorced has never been quite as simple, fast or inexpensive.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Get a Divorce?
In Arizona, you are not required to hire an attorney when you file for divorce. However, obtaining legal counsel can make dealing with love’s tragic side effects as efficient and painless as possible. While your spontaneous, informal wedding ceremony may have been full of love and happiness. It is highly unlikely that those feelings still exist when you file for divorce. When your life partner becomes someone you would rather not be around, hiring an attorney can help separate emotions from the legal process.
Unlike like the self-uniting marriage, divorce processes have deadlines, rules, and guidelines. If you choose to represent yourself, you will be expected to abide by all court rules and regulations. If the idea of filing motions, appearing before a judge or possibly going to trial sounds intimidating to you, it may be best to hire an expert.
A self-uniting marriage only requires two people, a small fee and two government-issued I.D.s. However, undoing your informal marriage will require a formal legal process. Your DIY wedding may have been a great way to celebrate love, stick it to man or save money. However, it may be best to file for divorce with a professional who has years of experience to guide you through the process.
