Hiring a Divorce Attorney vs. Filing for Divorce Online

2 September 2021
 Categories: Law, Blog


If you are planning on getting a divorce, one option is to turn to one of several online divorces that are available. While these divorces are legal, they are not necessarily a good idea and you may be better off consulting with a divorce lawyer. 

Online Divorce Only Works for Amicable Divorces

If you and your ex get along, you may be able to successfully have a divorce online. However, if you are having a highly emotionally charged divorce, you are likely better off having your divorce handled by a divorce lawyer. The longer you have been married, the more involving your divorce will likely be.

If you have no assets and no children, a divorce might be simple enough to file online. However, whenever you are dividing assets, especially a large asset such as a house, a divorce can become substantially more difficult. This is even more so the case when you have to decide how to share the custody of your children.

The Paperwork Might Not Be Admissible

The paperwork that is generated through an online divorce is generic and may not be admissible. This means that the court will not consider the paperwork when deciding how to handle your case. It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between trustworthy online divorce websites and those that have paperwork that isn't correct.

The paperwork for an online divorce website is handled in an automated way and is not reviewed by attorneys. This might not matter if you are having an uncontested divorce because divorces are simple in this case, but may matter more when you are in a legal battle with your ex-spouse. However, even with simple divorces, you may want to have the paperwork checked just to be safe.

The Online Website Might Not Be Suitable for Laws in Your State

Divorce laws can be very different depending on the state in which you reside. There are some areas where you will require specific forms to be able to file for divorce. If you do not have these forms, your divorce will not be considered valid. The best way to know that you're complying with the laws of your state is to consult with a divorce attorney from your state.

A divorce attorney can help you manage many of the more difficult aspects of your divorce while you focus on the emotional struggle you might have as you end your marriage. Therefore, consider reaching out to services like Thompson Salinas Londergan, LLP.


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