Online Divorce: Is It Legal?

Online Divorce

Marriage is a sacred union between two people who can get married at a drive–thru in Las Vegas and divorced over the Internet.

For years we’ve all seen the dirty, messy divorces of celebrities slashed across every tabloid and talk show. We know that divorces can be ugly, mean and down right cruel. These are usually contested divorces, where one or both of the parties involved can not decided on the terms and agreements of their mutual assets. The movie "War of the Roses" is a good example of a contested divorce.

Online divorces are not designed for these types of complicated situations. If your divorce is headed in that direction, get a lawyer. Online divorces cater to uncontested cases. An uncontested divorce is when both parties are in agreement and have chosen to split amicably.

Just the idea of getting a divorce online begs a basket full of questions. Don’t you need a lawyer? What about the kids and the house? Is it legal?

Fact is a lawyer is not required. An uncontested divorce may be filled and filed directly to the court house without ever speaking to an attorney. Since all parties are in agreement on all matters, there is no reason to bring in a third party. One of the benefits to enlisting an online legal or divorce service is the cost.

These types of services are an excellent choice for those with low incomes who cannot afford an attorney. A typical online divorce preparation service filing an uncontested divorce with no children is about $300, apposed to about $2200 an attorney would charge for the same forms and services.

Most online divorce services will use an interview style questionnaire asking the filer about the details of their divorce situation. Those filing an uncontested divorce can still request child support, custody and alimony. When the interview is completed and paid for, the answers are sent to the divorce service to prepare the paperwork in its state specific forms.

Forms and paperwork is one of the most important legal processes. The completion service will prepare the paperwork according to state and federal guidelines. One of the most common mistakes in DIY divorces is that the forms are incorrect. These services ensure the correct forms are prepared and 100 percent legal. Many services include a satisfaction guarantee.

The preparation service will then mail or email the prepared forms, usually within about two days, ready to be signed, notarized and filed.

A notary is one of the most important parts of the signing process. A notary public is a person that has been authorized by the state to certify documents. The signature and seal/stamp of a notary public is required when filing an uncontested divorce.

After the paperwork has been filed it is unlikely a person will have to appear in court for any reason. Although, there are exceptions to all legal rules and a judge may need to speak to one or both parties involved depending on the circumstances of the divorce.

Remember these services do not constitute as legal council and are not acting as attorneys. They are designed to help people represent themselves in their own legal matters.

The Internet has become a powerful and useful tool. It seems just about anything can be accomplished via the information super highway. It’s our fast track to news, shopping, love and divorce.

Erin Monaghan is a reviewer/writer for TopTenREVIEWS.com. TopTenREVIEWS features expert reviews for technology and entertainment products and services. The company has served over 60 million Internet visitors, has over 400,000 pages of original content and provides users with free access to in-depth product and services reviews, side-by-side feature comparisons, and industry-related news and articles.

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