Dylan McDermott played lawyer Bobby Donnell for seven years on The Practice, but now he's taking his old role a step further. The 46-year-old TV star has just filed for divorce from his wife of 12 years, actor Shiva Rose -- and he's representing himself.

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CelebTV.com obtained court records revealing that McDermott entered his petition in Los Angeles Superior Court on May 16. E! Online reported that McDermott is handling his case in propria persona, meaning that he's acting as his own legal counsel. The divorce petition lists the couple's separation date as March 5, 2007.

McDermott is seeking joint custody of the couple's two daughters, Collette Blu, 12, and Charlotte Rose, 2. According to the court documents, child-custody and property decisions will be arranged on a future date.

Rose, 39, and McDermott married in November 1995 and announced their separation to the press last September. In the past, McDermott has been romantically linked with Julia Roberts.

So is Dylan McDermott making a wise move in being his own divorce lawyer? Let's hope he knows what he's doing -- although "I played a lawyer once" may not be the most useful qualification for handling the legal and financial complexities of a divorce with ample property and children involved. For information on whether you're a good candidate for limited legal services, click here.