BRIDGWATER legal experts Pardoes are warning local people about the perilous dangers of getting a DIY divorce over the net.
The warning came after the Legal Services Board (LSB) published its research into unregulated providers showing that up to 13% of the market is not regulated.
Hidden fees and problems may manifest as the divorce goes through.
Pardoes solicitor Lauren Preedy said: "Many consumers do not know the difference between experts and unregulated Internet firms.
"Consumers need to be aware that if the provider is not regulated then it is difficult to complain about the service, the person representing you may not be a solicitor, or even be qualified, and you will have no recourse if something does go wrong.
"At Pardoes there are no hidden fees and we are upfront at the beginning with the likely costs. In all divorces a person filing a Petition must pay the court fee which is currently £550, unless there is an exemption available, something the online companies often do not make clear and I have seen a number of clients recently where this has happened.”
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