My best friend's husband tried convincing her she didn't need an attorney either. I managed to talk her into at least seeing one. She did and took the legal route. Turned out, he has just gotten a new job (same company) for $30k more a year. Made a big difference in the child support. Plus, found out he hadn't been bringing home his bonuses for over 10 years and had been spending them on guns. So far, he's going to owe her about 100k.
Not so say everyone is stealing so much $$, but there is a reason when someone urges you NOT to get an attorney. Run to see one.