The state of the economy is not necessarily the only reason people choose to represent themselves in a divorce, without a lawyer; some of us are do-it-yourselfers.
Doing Your Own Divorce is intended for situations where the divorce is contested but you cannot afford a lawyer. Even as a pro se litigant, there are things you can do to prepare for hearings and trials. There is no substitute for being prepared; and not all preparation requires a legal degree.