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Benefits of an Online Divorce

Friday, September 22nd

Benefits of an Online Divorce

Most divorcing couples generally don't like one another very much, in fact some might describe their feelings best with explicits and degrading words when they are going through a divorce. But, that doesn't mean they still can't set their anger aside and make decisions together without going to trial. Most experts recommend that every couple should first attempt to work out mutual terms for the divorce without involving attorneys and judges. There are several benefits to an mutually agreed upon divorce especially when it comes to filing options and costs.

There are many benefits to an uncontested divorce. Some of these include:

  • Cost Savings. An online divorce company provides all of the necessary paperwork for your divorce at a fraction of the cost of using a lawyer, mediation or going to trial. Contested divorces average at approximately $20,000, a mediated divorce is about $5,000, and an uncontested divorce around $2,000.
  • Pace. When a couple can't agree on one or more aspects of a divorce it can get very expensive and time consuming. Lawyers are notorious for dragging out the legal process in their attempt to battle the other party. You'll notice that it will take an attorney weeks to reply to communication from the other side and vice versa. Most couples want the divorce over and for their lives to return to their new normal. Uncontested divorces are often quick and only awaiting the State waiting period for finalization.
  • Emotional Healing. Fighting back and forth for months or years is generally very stressful, leads to additional negative emotions and creates a lot of anxiety for most. An uncontested divorce avoids the fighting and the delays and typically helps get each spouse back on their feet again faster.
  • Children. Kids that are involved in lingering custody and financial battles have a more challenging time being happy and healthy kids. Uncontested and uneventful divorces allow children to move on with healing and adjusting to all of the changes that occurred after the divorce.

If you and your spouse can agree on the terms of your divorce you have the option of using an online divorce company in lieu of an expensive divorce attorney. The biggest benefit to hiring an online divorce company is the cost. An uncontested divorce can be filed by an attorney or an individual.

Online divorce companies make the process easy by completing all the necessary State appropriate paperwork and giving you directions on how to file with the courts. For around $300 your paperwork will be completed in a week or less and will be ready to proceed through the process. If you're in a hurry to move your divorce along an online divorce is your fastest option. While all States have a mandatory waiting period you won't be waiting additional time on an attorney that likes to drag his feet or requires you make numerous visits to his office before he can bother to stop by the court house.

While online divorces provide the biggest cost and time savings they aren't right for every situation. Some of these situations include:

  • Legal Issues. Complex legal issues, big 401K splits, financial investments and technical legal procedures aren't appropriate for an online divorce. Lawyers are required in these situations to work through specific laws and legal agreements to identify your rights.
  • Custody Battle. If you can't agree on the terms of your custody agreement or who pays for what you'll need a lawyer to work through the process. Online divorce is more appropriate for couples that are able to work through all aspects of custody and child support on their own.
  • Change of Mind. Even if you've already moved forward with an online divorce company but your spouse has become difficult or changed their mind about important big ticket or custody related decisions it's time to involve a lawyer to assist in the process. Make sure you weigh the cost of attorney against the price of the item before deciding to fight.

Uncontested online divorces provide the biggest opportunity for cost and time savings as well as avoiding a long drawn out battle that provides months and years of hurt feelings and anger. Couples that are able to avoid the fight and work through all of the decision making on their own are eligible to save thousands of dollars using an online divorce service.

If you're considering using an online divorce company locate independent reviews to assist in your search. These companies provide unbiased opinions on customer service, website functionality, guarantees and overall value.

The Best Online Divorce Services Compare Online Divorce Services Compare Online Divorce Service Reviews What are the best Online Divorce Services Best Online Divorce Service Reviews

Online Divorce Service FAQ

Yes and no. You can complete the paperwork online, but in most states you'll still need to file it with your county court, pay the applicable fees and appear for a hearing.
Most services require the divorce to be uncontested: both spouses are in complete agreement over division of assets and custody arrangements if minor children are involved. Not all online divorce platforms offer services in every state, so be sure that the one you're considering is available where you plan to file for divorce.
Online divorce services can range anywhere from free with a one-week trial to $499+. The fees charged by these providers don't include any corresponding court costs. You may also have monthly data storage and service fees, depending on the company you select, so read the fine print carefully.
In general, you'll answer a few brief questions to see if your situation is eligible for an online divorce service - mostly to determine if it includes your state and if your divorce is likely to be uncontested. Once you've paid your fees and entered your answers, you'll usually print out your completed paperwork and file them with your local court. From there, any timeframes and fees depend solely on your county government.
Almost every online divorce provider guarantees that your paperwork will be accepted by the court in your state. However, it's up to you to walk through the necessary steps for making your divorce final, like filing the paperwork and showing up for hearings.
That depends on your local court system. You can fill out the paperwork online in just a few minutes, but the rest of the process is determined by how quickly it's processed, whether you can get a hearing date scheduled in a timely fashion, and so on.
Absolutely. Whether you seek a lawyer's services on your own or through an online divorce service, there's nothing prohibiting you from getting extra legal help. Some divorce platforms can connect you with an attorney for an additional fee, if you don't already have a professional in mind.
Most online divorce providers only guarantee that your paperwork will be legal and accepted by the court in your state. In other words, if you sign up for an account and pay the fees for an online divorce but then you change your mind or don't like the service itself, you may be out of luck. But, some providers may offer refunds for other circumstances on a case-by-case basis - just don't count on it. Do your homework and sign up for an online divorce service only when you've determined that it's a program that will work for you.

Compare Online Divorce Services

Select any 2 Online Divorce Services to compare them head to head

best-online-divorce-companies
  • Divorce Writer
  • 3 Step Divorce
  • Divorce Online
  • Complete Case
  • Rocket Lawyer
  • DivorceNet
  • LegalZoom
  • Hello Divorce
  • My Divorce Papers
  • TOPS Divorce Kit
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