Section 1: Is a DIY Divorce Right for You?

DIY divorce, also known as a "pro se" or "uncontested" divorce, is not for everyone. It is most suitable for couples who:

• Are in full agreement on all major issues. This includes property division, debt allocation, child custody, child support, and spousal support (alimony).
• Have a simple financial situation. You have minimal or no shared assets, such as real estate, businesses, or complex retirement accounts.
• Have a cooperative relationship. You and your spouse can communicate and negotiate without conflict.
• Have no history of domestic violence or legal disputes.

If your situation involves any of the following, a DIY divorce is generally not recommended, and you should seek legal counsel: disputes over child custody or support, disagreements about dividing assets or debts, a spouse who cannot be located, a history of domestic violence or abuse, or a spouse who is uncooperative or refuses to sign paperwork.

Section 2: The Essential Steps of a DIY Divorce

The divorce process can be broken into a series of logical steps. While the specific forms and requirements will vary by state, the overall sequence remains the same.

Step 1: Understand Your State’s Residency Requirements

Before you can file for divorce, you must meet your state's residency requirements. This is a law that dictates how long you or your spouse must have lived in the state before you can file.

Step 2: Collect All Necessary Information and Documents

This is a critical step that requires thorough organization. You'll need to gather financial and personal information for both you and your spouse to complete the required forms.

• Financial Documents: Tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, deeds, credit card statements, and retirement plan statements.
• Personal Documents: Marriage certificate, Social Security numbers, and birth certificates for any children.

Step 3: Access and Complete the Correct Forms

This is the core of the DIY process. You cannot use a generic set of forms for all states; each state has its own specific forms and rules.

• Where to Find Forms: State court websites, local courthouse clerk’s offices, or online legal services.
• Common Forms: Divorce Petition/Complaint, Financial Disclosures, Marital Settlement Agreement, Parenting Plan, Child Support Worksheet, and Final Judgment.

Step 4: File the Papers with the Court

Once your forms are completed, you must file them with the court, along with the required filing fee. Fees vary by state, but waivers may be available.

Step 5: "Serve" the Papers to Your Spouse

After filing, you must officially notify your spouse that you have initiated the divorce. You cannot do this yourself; it must be done by a third party like a process server or a neutral friend.

Step 6: Finalize the Divorce

The final step is for a judge to review and sign the final divorce decree. The time this takes depends on your state's mandatory waiting period.

Section 3: Cost and Time Comparison: DIY vs. Lawyer

To help you decide, here is a comparison of a DIY divorce versus hiring a lawyer.

Note: The costs and timeframes for a contested divorce can increase significantly. Hiring an attorney is necessary when there is any disagreement.