Marriage And Separation Advice

It is not surprising that divorce procedures have become available via the Net. In fact, online divorce is rapidly gaining in popularity allowing couples to end their marriage legally, conveniently and a very low cost. But that doesn’t mean it is all plain sailing. Here are ten things you should know about online divorce.

   1. Whoever files the divorce application pays the fee. You might reach an agreement with your spouse but when you file online, the court requires the lodgment fee and if you are filing, you are the one paying.
 
   2. Different States, different rules. You can file online from anywhere in the world but each State has rules about residency. You and/or your spouse must have been resident in that State for a minimum period and, in some States, the minimum residency applies to the county as well.

   3. Filing online doesn’t change the rules of divorce. If you had shared debts before you were divorced, you will still be liable once the divorce is granted.

   4. Support material is usually a big help if you go to court. You can apply online but if the divorce is contested, you will need to put your case in front of a judge. Be prepared. Have all the notes, receipts and letters you need to support your case.

   5. Control your emotions. An online divorce can avoid most if not all the confrontation from contact with your spouse. But you still need to keep your emotions in check. Doing things when upset or angry may cost you in more ways than one.

   6. Beware of scams. Ads appear offering quickie divorces in which the spouses do not even have to appear. In most if not all cases these schemes are illegal. They are scams and two things will happen to those who participate. (a) you will lose your money and (b) you will still be legally married. Another point about so-called quickie online divorces is that they may be legal but only in the country in which they are issued. If you subsequently re-marry in another country you may well have committed bigamy which is a serious offense.

   7. Read the free instructions first. It’s amazing how many people just dive straight in and fill out this and that form. You need the correct form or forms and you need to complete them correctly. Using the wrong form or wrong information or even the wrong way of printing means you have to start over.

   8. Tell your spouse. You can obtain the forms, complete and file them but once that is done you are obliged to inform your spouse. You don’t have to do it in person but you are responsible to inform them.

   9. The best online divorce is an uncontested one. No matter how simple the form filling is, if your spouse wants to argue over one thing or another, it’s off to court you go.

   10. Only a lawyer can legally give you legal advice but a courthouse can advise you on which forms to use and how to complete them. Most information is available free on line but if you want administrative help, try your local court.

Here are additional resources you might be interested in:

If you're in the USA and there's no property or finances to settle, then you can do it yourself. There's a number of places online where you can carry out a divorce (which is much cheaper than going through the courts and lawyers). Legal Zoom's 3-Step Divorce Process can provide quick and easy online divorces.

Download Divorce Forms Instantly for a Do It Yourself Divorce

Everything You Need to Know About Online Internet Divorce

How to File for Divorce Online?

How to Conduct a DIY Divorce and Save Thousands

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