Filing for Divorce is Not as Complicated as in the Past

There was a time that the thought of all of the complications associated with filing for divorce could send a couple to counseling in a heartbeat. On top of all of the expenses associated with the act came the emotional grief and stress that not only affected the couple, but family and even friends. Over the years, however, some laws changed and conveniences have been added. So now, the process, while not necessarily easier emotionally, is not as complicated financially or time-wise.

Deciding to File for Divorce

Probably the most difficult decision associated with filing for divorce is actually making the decision to part ways. After years of feeling that you and your partner would be better off apart than together – or suffering through an insidious act that resulted in one partner believing marriage dissolution is the only answer – it can still be difficult to say “it’s time to bring this to an end.”

This is especially true if there are children involved because, many times, children suffer more than the parents. It is for this reason that before you actually begin the process, you should strongly consider marriage counseling. This way, you open up the option of reconciliation before making a decision that could have negative effects on the entire family.

Getting an Attorney

If you do decide that filing for divorce is the right, the next step for most is to contact their own attorneys to begin the proceedings. Depending on how complicated your parting is likely to be (ex. fights over property, alimony, child custody, etc.), an attorney would be best. However, taking this route can not only be expensive (sometimes reaching into the thousands), it can also be extremely time-consuming. So some suggest that if you don’t have to go this route (i.e. no property to split up or separating due to incompatibility), you may want to take advantage of one of the many online services that allow you to “do it yourself.”

Doing it Yourself

There are many websites available now that will cut the process of filing in half for you by drawing up the paperwork you will need to petition in court. For just a few hundred dollars you can have all of the paperwork you need, specified by state. Then, on terms both you and your partner have agreed upon, you can file, have your day in court, and be granted your uncontested divorce without lengthy meetings with an attorney. Of course, before using a website, you should research its credibility. Because there would be nothing worse than spending your hard-earned money only to find the paperwork is not recognized in court.

It is not advised that you choose parting ways over counseling and the possibility of reconciliation. But if you feel that you’ve exhausted your options as a couple and this is your only route, it is good to know that filing for divorce is less time-consuming and expensive than it once was.

Seeking an uncontested divorce?

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