How to Get Papers for Filing an Uncontested Divorce Online

Divorce occurs in approximately 45% of all marriages. While heartbreaking and sad, it can also be expensive to hire an attorney to handle the divorce.

In many cases, however, where the parties agree on issues regarding children, have no disputes over possessions or assets and have an amicable enough relationship to work together, filing a pro se (self-represented) uncontested divorce may be the answer.

Documents for an uncontested divorce can be obtained from many places, including (for students) colleges and universities, legal aid offices, and, as with almost everything these days, online.

Before you log on and purchase papers from any online site, take a moment to research the company you're considering to make sure they offer exactly what you'll need.

This article walks you through the steps to take to obtain online forms, and also some issues you need to think about before you actually choose a site to get the forms from.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Determine if you really can file an uncontested divorce. There can be no disputes between the parties on any aspect of the marriage, including, but not limited to, arrangements regarding custody and visitation of children, child support or alimony, disposition of any assets, or any jointly shared accounts or property.
   
   If at this point you find you are not agreeing, and cannot reach a compromise, you cannot file an uncontested divorce. You will need to hire an attorney and file a contested divorce. If you try to proceed with an uncontested divorce and expect the judge to make the decision, your divorce will not be granted.

2. Research several online divorce help sites that offer documents before you make a purchase. The Better Business Bureau can give you valuable information on how each site handles complaints. There is a link in Resources to the BBB site.
   
   The second link in Resources offers a review of the top 10 legal forms sites.

3. From the site you've chosen, click on the section relating to divorce, and then uncontested divorces. You should be asked the state you reside in, as documents can vary from state to state. If the site does not offer state specific packages, chose a different site.

4. Answer any other questions asked and complete the forms online, if desired. Some sites offer review of your forms by their staff before mailing them to you. Other sites offer you the option of downloading and printing the forms and filling them out yourself, with no review, or of having the documents mailed to your home.

5. You'll be asked to provide payment at the end of the process, before your forms are able to be downloaded, or are mailed.

Tips & Warnings

• Many sites that fill in the forms online will save your work if you cannot complete the forms in one sitting. You're required to register, and that process should be free.
• Many sites make claims that sound like legal advice. Be wary of sites that state you "may not need to even see a judge" or other blanket statements. Each state is different in their requirements for divorce proceedings and it is up to you to research the procedure in your state. Do not mistake the sites offering legal documents as legal professionals, or legal advice.
• This article is not intended to replace legal advice. Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your divorce. Many attorneys offer a free first consultation and can answer many of your questions at that time.
• Clerks of Court or other state officials cannot offer legal advice in completing forms. Do not ask them.

Resources

• Better Business Bureau
• Top Review of Legal Form Sites