LW1, It's not going going to hurt anything to try to negotiate the divorce without lawyers. You can always hire one if it doesn't work. Mediation also costs money, my ex and worked out the details without lawyers or mediation, got a divorce packet from the county courthouse for $185. Hammered out the financial details, submitted it for a judge's approval, and 2 months later we were divorced. Why throw money away on lawyers if you can prevent it?