Do I need representation to file for irreconcilable divorce? 7 Answers as of February 21, 2012

You should retain an experienced Family Law Attorney to represent you in the divorce. Since your husband has been and is the family's sole wage earner, while you have been the children's primary parent, the Court will most likely award you attorney's fees payable by your husband, as well as child custody, child support and spousal support.

Yes, you should get an attorney.As a stay at home Mom you will need support to get on your feet. And the children are entitled to being supported. Since you do not work, your attorney will have to get paid by your husband.

In California, you are not required to have a lawyer to file for divorce, including any orders you may seek on custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, or division of assets or debts. That said, it is always best to have an experienced family law lawyer to help you obtain the orders you're entitled to, and advise you of, and protect your legal rights along the way. Depending on what your husband earns, given that you're a stay-at-home mom, you may be able to obtain an order that he contribute or pay all of your attorney fees. Go online and look up California Family Code section 2030, 2031, and 2032. Those code sections talk about attorney fees being paid by a spouse to make sure that both parties have equal access to legal representation.

You are not required to have an attorney represent you in your case. You are able to file on your own.

You can handle the matter yourself, although you'll be at a distinct disadvantage as far as knowing your rights and negotiating custody, visitation, child support, spousal support and asset and debt distribution.

To increase the odds of getting the child and spousal support and community property that you are entitled from this long relationship, you should hire an experienced family law attorney.

Irreconcilable differences is the standard for granting a divorce in California. It has nothing to do with the other issues of your case. Just from what you say in your email, I think you need an attorney. After a 14 year marriage there should be spousal and child support as well as a custody and visitation order.