Illinois Divorce Lawyer: Beware of Shady Divorce Websites

CHICAGO, Nov. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- An Illinois family law attorney is warning the public against using non-lawyers' websites to prepare divorce documents and offers an affordable consultation to anyone who has purchased divorce documents online.

Online predators create divorce nightmares

"It's sad, but many people who want an uncontested divorce in Illinois fall victim to shady online predators that claim to prepare divorce documents," Illinois divorce lawyer David Wolkowitz said. "Illinois divorce documents prepared without an Illinois lawyer are too often dangerous to file."

People who want to start a divorce are lured into the shady websites because they want an affordable divorce in Illinois. Unfortunately, the so-called "online divorce" websites often produce official-looking documents while being amateurish in substance.

Chicago divorce lawyer Marie Fahnert agrees. "Shady divorce websites are nothing more than sheep in wolves' clothing," Attorney Fahnert said. "People expect a divorce to be simple. But the shady websites subject people to risk of identity theft and mishandling of assets and debts. The websites may lure people in by offering a guarantee that documents will be accepted by court – but that guarantee isn't worth much considering the potential dangers."

Attorney Wolkowitz, who practices family law in Illinois counties including Cook, DuPage, Kendall, Kane, Lake and Will, believes online divorce websites use distraction as a marketing ploy. "The online divorce websites might use near-worthless guarantees and flashy websites. But when you pull back the curtain, there's often an alarming lack of substance. That's the problem with getting an divorce in Illinois without a lawyer."  

Divorce without lawyers creates risks

According to Illinois divorce attorney Wolkowitz, legal counsel can help divorcing spouses avoid many of the dangers associated with divorce document preparation websites.  The dangers include the following:

• Identity theft: The divorcing spouses often exposed to serious risk of identity theft simply by filing the documents provided.
• Risk of court sanctions: Documents provided can subject a person to court sanctions because they violate Illinois Supreme Court Rules.
• Improper division of assets and debt: The division of assets and debts is not appropriate.
• Child custody problems: Parenting plans are ill-conceived and cause future conflict.

"One of the most common dangers zones for online divorce document website is the handling of real estate issues," Attorney Wolkowitz said. "I've drafted clauses about homes that are a page long. In contrast, divorce websites that aren't run by lawyers don't sufficiently address issues regarding the marital home. I also consult a Chicago-area real estate lawyer when necessary. Websites can't do that."

Special offer for customers of online divorce websites

Through December 2013, Attorney Wolkowitz is offering a Divorce Document Review Special Offer that includes document review and phone consultation for $50. Those interested may visit www.uncontesteddivorceinillinois.com to see the terms and conditions of the offer.

Contact:

Dave Wolkowitz
The Wolkowitz Law Office
www.UncontestedDivorceInIllinois.com
www.DivorceMediationInIllinois.com
phone: 312-554-5433 

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SOURCE The Wolkowitz Law Office