Even if they’re unhappy in their marriage, some people dread the thought of divorce because the process can be time-consuming, expensive and hostile. And all of that can make an already stressful situation even more nerve-racking.

One option that can save time and money—and be more private—is online divorce. Using the internet, rather than a courtroom, to divorce may be a possibility for partners who are on good terms and want to file for an uncontested divorce. However, it may not be appropriate for every divorce.

This article provides an overview of getting an online divorce, including what you need to know before getting started and the steps involved in the process.

What is online divorce?

Online divorce refers to the process of ending a marriage through the use of the internet and remote communication. This usually involves filing for divorce through an online platform.

These platforms provide a simple and convenient way for people to complete certain stages of the divorce process online without having to visit a physical court. (The steps that can be completed online depend on the laws of the state where you’re filing for divorce.) 

These secure platforms typically provide step-by-step guides on completing the necessary forms and documents. Additionally, they often offer support and information to help the divorcing parties through the process. 

In some cases, an online divorce service may also connect individuals with a licensed attorney who can provide further assistance and legal advice. 

Note that you can’t get fully divorced online in any state. Some steps need to be done “in real life”. For example, some states require a brief hearing, while others don’t allow online filing. A reputable platform will be able to guide you through your options based on which state you’re filing for divorce in.

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How legit is online divorce?

The process and requirements for online divorce vary from state to state. However, as long as the court receives all necessary forms and the general information they contain is accurate, your divorce will be legitimate.

The other factor here is the specific platform that you use. Take the following steps to find a legal online divorce service:

• Research different online divorce platforms: Read reviews and testimonials from other users. Look for platforms that have a positive reputation and that are widely used and recommended.
• Check the platform’s credentials: Make sure the online divorce service has the necessary credentials to operate in your state. Verify their legitimacy through accredited organizations or institutions like the American Bar Association or the State Bar Association in your state.
• Look for transparency: A reputable online divorce platform should be open about its processes, fees and services. Seek out platforms that clearly explain their procedures, disclose their pricing structure and provide detailed information about their services.
• Check for support: A reputable online divorce service should offer support and resources to help you through the process. Look for platforms that provide access to licensed attorneys or customer service representatives to answer your questions and provide guidance.
• Consider the cost: The cost of an online divorce can vary greatly depending on the platform you use. Look for ones that offer competitive pricing and flexible payment options, and that provide value for money. Keep in mind that what seems like the cheapest option may not always be the best choice—there may be extra fees for additional services or support.

Note: If an online divorce company makes you pay to download blank legal papers, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. 

The pros and cons of online divorce

An online divorce may appeal for many reasons. Still, carefully weigh the pros and cons of this option to ensure that it’s the best choice for your situation. 

The pros

• Convenience: Online divorce provides a convenient and accessible way to complete certain steps in the divorce process, without having to visit a physical court or lawyer’s office. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who live in remote areas or who have busy schedules.
• Cost-saving: Online divorce can often be more cost-effective than traditional divorce proceedings, as it eliminates the need to pay for legal representation or court costs.
• Simple and straightforward: Online divorce platforms typically provide a step-by-step guide to completing the necessary forms and documents. This can simplify the divorce process and make it easier to understand.
• Time-efficient: Online divorce can be faster than traditional divorce proceedings. It can eliminate the need for court appearances and reduce the amount of time it takes to complete the process.
• Privacy: Since the entire divorce process takes place online, couples may be able to avoid the sometimes uncomfortable public scrutiny that can come with a court hearing.

The cons

• Legal validity: Online divorce isn’t legally recognized in every state. Additionally, in some states it may have limitations, such as the inability to divide certain assets or resolve disputes over custody and support. 
• Limited support: Online divorce platforms may not provide the same level of support as a licensed attorney. This may make it more challenging to navigate the divorce process or resolve complex legal issues.
• Limited customization: Online divorce platforms may only offer standard templates for divorce agreements. These may not provide the flexibility to address the unique needs of each individual case.
• Not suited for complications: If the parties aren’t able to reach a divorce settlement agreement during the online divorce process, it can result in a more complex and expensive court process. Since an attorney may be required in this situation, the entire process may end up becoming more time-consuming and costly than if you had pursued a traditional divorce in the first place.

When is online divorce appropriate?

Below are some scenarios where online divorce may be an appropriate option for individuals seeking to end their marriage:

• Simple and uncontested divorce: Online divorce is best suited for couples who’ve reached a mutually agreed-upon settlement and who don’t have any disputes or complexities, such as child custody or property division, in their divorce case.
• Limited financial resources: Online divorce eliminates the need for legal representation and court costs. Therefore it can be a cost-effective option for individuals who don’t have the financial resources to pay for a traditional divorce.
• Geographic constraints: Since there isn’t a need to travel to a physical court or lawyer’s office as often, online divorce can be an attractive option for individuals who live in remote areas or have busy schedules.
• Privacy concerns: Online divorce provides a private and confidential alternative to traditional divorce proceedings. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals concerned about the public nature of divorce proceedings.

When is online divorce inappropriate?

Online divorce may not be appropriate in certain situations, including:

• Contested divorce: Online divorce may not provide the necessary support and resources to resolve disputes or legal issues that tend to arise in contested divorces.
• Complex divorce: If you have a complex divorce situation—such as a high net worth or disputes over property, custody or support—online divorce may not provide the guidance and expertise needed to ensure that your rights and interests are protected.
• Legal requirements: Online divorce isn’t legally recognized in some states. In other states, online divorce has limitations, such as the inability to divide certain assets or resolve disputes over custody and support.

How to get a divorce online

The process for getting an online divorce varies depending on the platform you use and the laws of the state in which you’re filing for divorce. With that in mind, here is a general overview of the typical process:

1. Choose a platform: Read reviews and compare prices and services to determine which online divorce platform feels best for you and your circumstances.
2. Determine eligibility: Some states have restrictions on who can legally use online divorce platforms, such as residency requirements or restrictions on couples with children. Check for any eligibility requirements on the online divorce service website or by contacting the service directly.
3. Complete the online questionnaire: Most online divorce platforms ask users to complete an online questionnaire that gathers information about their divorce case, including their name, address and financial information.
4. Prepare and file the necessary documents: The online divorce service typically guides you through the process of preparing and filing the necessary divorce documents, such as a petition for divorce and a marital settlement agreement.
5. Serve your spouse: After filing, you must serve your spouse the divorce documents. The platform you’re using should provide clear instructions on how to do this. It’s typically through a process server or by certified mail. 
6. Wait for a response: Spouses usually have a set amount of time to respond. If your spouse agrees to the terms of the divorce, the process can proceed quickly. If your spouse disagrees or disputes the terms, the divorce may become more complicated and may require additional legal assistance.
7. Finalize the divorce: Once your spouse has responded, the online divorce platform typically guides you through the process of finalizing your divorce. This includes obtaining a divorce decree from the court. 

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How much does an online divorce cost?

The cost of an online divorce can vary substantially, typically ranging from about $199 to $2,500. The exact price depends on the platform, level of service and any additional services provided. Although the costs toward the upper range may seem high, they’re still less expensive than traditional litigation in court, which can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars.

Some of the factors that can affect the cost include:

• The platform you choose: Online divorce services charge anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the services offered and the complexity of your case.
• The complexity of your case: If you have a complex divorce case—for example, if you and your spouse disagree about property, child custody or spousal support—it may require additional legal services or expertise. That means the cost of your online divorce may be higher.
• The services you need: Some online divorce platforms offer additional services, such as legal representation or assistance with the preparation and filing of necessary divorce documents. These can add to the overall cost of your online divorce.
• Additional fees: The cost of an online divorce service usually doesn’t include court fees for filing divorce papers or serving papers to your spouse. Filing fees for divorce papers range from less than $100 to more than $400 from state to state and county to county.

How long does an online divorce take?

In general, an online divorce can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete. The length of time varies depending on several factors, including:

1. The state you live in: Some states have longer waiting periods or other requirements that can extend the length of time it takes to complete an online divorce.
2. The complexity of your case: If you have a complex divorce case, your divorce may require additional legal services or expertise. This can add time to the process.
3. The response of your spouse: If your spouse agrees to the terms of the divorce, the process can proceed quickly. If your spouse disagrees or disputes the terms, the divorce may become more complicated and take longer to complete.
4. The speed with which the court processes your case: Some courts may have longer backlogs or processing times that can extend the length of time it takes to complete your online divorce.

Overall, an online divorce can be much shorter than a traditional divorce, which can often take several months or longer from the time you file until the time the divorce is official.