AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Divorce lawyers in Texas say they have reservations about whether do-it-yourself divorce -- approved by the state Supreme Court -- will work without a hitch.
The court has approved self-service divorce -- but only in uncontested cases in which child custody and property settlements are not at issue. The court will take public comment on its order through Feb. 8 to determine whether the forms require any revision, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Tuesday.
Critics of the forms have said if people do not understand how to file properly for divorce, it could make more work for court employees.
"Mistakes will inevitably be made using these forms," said Austin lawyer Steve Bresnen.
Speaking on behalf of the State Bar of Texas Family Law Section, he told the newspaper do-it-yourself litigation "is dangerous" -- and the newly approved forms are not likely to protect people from hurting their own legal interests.
Six of the top court's nine justices voted to approve use of the forms, which are already in use in 48 states.
The do-it-yourself forms are intended to help a growing number of Texans who cannot afford formal legal representation, and the judges stipulated the forms are not appropriate for every couple seeking a divorce in the Lone Star state.
