Tips for a Quick and Easy Online Divorce Process

Severing marital ties is always an emotionally taxing experience. And that’s why completing the process as quickly and easily as possible serves well for both parties involved. Getting an online divorce is a much quicker process than the traditional practice of legally separating from a spouse. If one chooses such an avenue for getting the process started, one can further simplify the separation by using the easy tips and step-by-step guidelines listed herein:
Tips for Simplifying an Online Divorce
To remove all the roadblocks that one might encounter during an online divorce process, take the following measures:
Settle Issues Amicably
An uncontested divorce is a scenario in which no unresolved issues exist between the applicant and the spouse. This process is much simpler than a contested divorce, which requires a trial to resolve such issues. While one may want to finish the process quickly, it is always advisable to resolve any issues or disputes with the spouse amicably. This way, one does not have to do so later in a courtroom. For example, it is better to discuss and settle major issues such as child custody, visitation, spousal support, division of debt, or property between parties involved rather than have lawyers fight the matter.
Know Where to File for Online Divorce
Certain states have regulations that simplify the process of online divorce. For example, many states do not require spouses to be physically separated from each other before they can file for divorce. On the other hand, many states make it mandatory for spouses to live separately (or together) for a set period before they can file for an online divorce.
Also, some states have a mandatory “waiting period.” In these states, the court may take between 10 and 365 days before scheduling a hearing for an online divorce application. One can even choose to apply for an online divorce from a state that simplifies the equation for both parties. After the state is selected, one may need to reside there for a while before starting the online application process, or there may be other residential requirements). So, one should be careful and communicative with their spouse before deciding.
Gather All the Resources Needed
At any stage, while using the internet to apply for a divorce, one can refer to several online resources like form templates, pictures of divorce papers, and step-by-step tutorials in case one gets stuck. One of the first resources to use is the website of a local state court, also known as a local family court or family division. That website would clarify several technicality-related doubts related to the process.
Check for Fast-Tracked Processes
Several courts fast-track the process of online divorce, especially the uncontested ones. One can always seek out the regions whose jurisdiction comes under courts where online divorce cases are prioritized, and the process is completed quickly. Such simplified options are inexpensive as not too much time is spent between signing the divorce papers online and the court entering an order to end the marriage.
Include All Vital Details
One has to ensure all the critical information about themselves and their spouse is added. Such details include names, addresses, the date and location of the wedding, social security numbers, details regarding the division of property and debt, and the names and birthdates of their children. One also needs to fill in the reasons for applying for a divorce. While such a statement may seem obvious, it is an important tip to know when one navigates tricky court websites and other third-party portals.
Steps Involved in an Online Divorce
Apart from the above tips that will simplify the process, here are the steps that will be involved when one is going through an online divorce:
Creating an Account
When one uses an online divorce service, creating a user account on its website is essential. This account will be password protected. The site may ask multiple questions about both parties to evaluate whether one can avail of its services.
Adding Relevant Information
Simply put, this step involves filling in the information that will complete the divorce paperwork. One will be needed to fill in details about their financial situation, children, and the details of property under their name. It is advisable to fill all sections and answer questions honestly while specifying the reasons for applying for divorce, even when no fillable section is specifically provided (by specifying it in the “additional comments” section, if provided).
Signing the Online Divorce Forms
After filling out the forms, one needs to sign them and provide the spouse with their forms. Once this process is completed, one can send the forms to their choice of court through the online or offline medium. Both parties’ forms will go to court as an official divorce application.
Waiting for the Court’s Order
Once the forms reach the court, the representatives will begin with an evaluation. Aspects like the divorce terms, the reasons, and the financial conditions of both parties are closely considered before deciding to pass the order to end the marriage.
These tips and steps will be of great help when it comes to getting a divorce settlement done with fewer channels and faster processing. As implied earlier, one will likely use an online divorce service provider to undergo the separation process. The most popular online divorce services are 3StepDivorce, DivorceWriter, CompleteCase, MyDivorcePapers, Rocket Lawyer, and LegalZoom.