Do I need a lawyer… or can we just DIY this divorce?
Do I need a lawyer… or can we just DIY this divorce?
You’re on good terms.
You’ve both agreed it’s over.
So… can you just write up your own agreement and move on?
Maybe. But maybe not.
Here’s how to know if you can DIY your divorce — or if it’s time to lawyer up.
You might be able to do it yourself if…
You’ve already agreed on everything: property, kids, money.
No one is hiding income, assets, or debts.
You don’t own a home together (or if you do, it’s being sold).
No one’s asking for alimony.
You’re comfortable filling out court forms without help.
Even then, it’s smart to have a lawyer review your agreement — just to make sure it’s valid, enforceable, and future-proof.
Lawyers call this kind of setup an uncontested divorce — sometimes also referred to as an amicable divorce.
Want to know if yours qualifies? Read more about amicable divorces on Leya
You’ll probably want a lawyer if…
One of you earns significantly more than the other.
There are kids, and you need to decide custody, school, or vacation rights.
You’re dividing a home, business, or major assets.
You’re not sure what you’re entitled to — or what’s fair.
There’s any history of emotional or financial pressure.
Divorce doesn’t have to be messy.
But it does need to be clear — especially in Québec, where the rules are unique.
Since launching, we’ve helped thousands of people navigate separation and divorce — faster, cheaper, and with more peace of mind.
👉 Find out how a 25-minute consultation on Leya works
No pressure. Just clarity.
You’re on good terms.
You’ve both agreed it’s over.
So… can you just write up your own agreement and move on?
Maybe. But maybe not.
Here’s how to know if you can DIY your divorce — or if it’s time to lawyer up.
You might be able to do it yourself if…
You’ve already agreed on everything: property, kids, money.
No one is hiding income, assets, or debts.
You don’t own a home together (or if you do, it’s being sold).
No one’s asking for alimony.
You’re comfortable filling out court forms without help.
Even then, it’s smart to have a lawyer review your agreement — just to make sure it’s valid, enforceable, and future-proof.
Lawyers call this kind of setup an uncontested divorce — sometimes also referred to as an amicable divorce.
Want to know if yours qualifies? Read more about amicable divorces on Leya
You’ll probably want a lawyer if…
One of you earns significantly more than the other.
There are kids, and you need to decide custody, school, or vacation rights.
You’re dividing a home, business, or major assets.
You’re not sure what you’re entitled to — or what’s fair.
There’s any history of emotional or financial pressure.
Divorce doesn’t have to be messy.
But it does need to be clear — especially in Québec, where the rules are unique.
Since launching, we’ve helped thousands of people navigate separation and divorce — faster, cheaper, and with more peace of mind.
👉 Find out how a 25-minute consultation on Leya works
No pressure. Just clarity.