There are times when an online service can offer a convenience and times when it is more hassle than it is worth. This is true when looking to purchase clothing or groceries and even when getting a divorce.
Can I get a divorce online?
There are various websites that offer this service. The process generally requires the couple to enter personal information through a questionnaire. The service than often operates by using this information to put together and submit forms to the court. That’s about it. Plug information in, get court forms out.
These services generally cost a couple hundred bucks and can take hours to a month to finalize.
Is online divorce a good idea?
This process can work for those who have an uncontested, amicable divorce and were only married for a short period of time.
However, it is important to note that because you are using a generic computer-generated questionnaire the system does not tailor the divorce to your situation. As a result, surprises with how assets are split after the divorce are not uncommon. In fact, the most popular online divorce site has a poor rating with the Better Business Bureau and receives hundreds of complaints. Complaints include statements from users that the paperwork provided by the online divorce service did not hold up when challenged in court. This means that many who use these services may still end up going to court to sort out a mistake in the filings or forms.
How can I make sure my divorce goes well?
Those who wish to use an online service can mitigate the risk of issues with the forms or surprises after the divorce is finalized by having an attorney serve as review counsel. This legal professional can review the forms, answer your questions, and help to better ensure you understand what will happen when you finalize the divorce.
When is an online divorce a bad idea?
Anyone with children, business interests, or more complex assets is generally wise to avoid an online platform.
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed