For couples who agree on the major terms of their divorce, DIY divorce software can provide a middle ground between downloading blank court forms and hiring a divorce attorney.
Instead of searching through dozens of court forms, an online program asks questions about the marriage, children, property, debts, and support. The answers are then used to prepare documents for the applicable state.
This approach is generally intended for uncontested divorces, where both spouses agree on the major issues. If important issues remain unresolved, software may not be appropriate for the case.
What Is a Mutual-Consent (Uncontested) Divorce?
An uncontested divorce generally means that both spouses agree to end the marriage and have reached agreement on the major issues that must be resolved.
Depending on the case, those issues can include:
- Division of property.
- Division of debts.
- Child custody.
- Parenting time.
- Child support.
- Spousal support.
- Restoration of a former name.
- Other financial or family matters.
LegalZoom similarly describes an uncontested divorce as one in which spouses agree on significant issues such as property, debts, support, and custody.
The important point is that “uncontested” does not necessarily mean “no children” or “no property.”
A couple can have children, own a home, or have significant financial assets and still have an uncontested divorce if they have reached an agreement on the relevant issues.
DIY software is generally most useful when:
- Both spouses communicate with each other.
- The major terms are already agreed upon.
- Neither spouse expects a courtroom dispute.
- The case fits the provider’s eligibility requirements.
- The couple is comfortable preparing and filing documents themselves.
For a straightforward mutual-consent divorce, the right choice depends on how much assistance the couple wants. A person comfortable working directly with court forms may prefer a free court program, while another user may prefer paid software that organizes the process into a guided questionnaire.
For independent comparisons of online divorce software, document preparation, pricing, and support features, Divorce Services Reviews can provide another source of information before you choose a provider.
What Makes Software Great for Simple Divorces?
Not all online divorce software works the same way.
A useful program should do more than place blank forms on a website. The questionnaire should guide users through the information needed to produce the appropriate documents.
Important features include:
- State-specific documents
- Guided questionnaires
- Clear instructions
- Property and debt sections
- Child-related forms when applicable
- Settlement agreement preparation
- Document review tools
- Ability to make corrections
- Filing instructions
- Accessible customer support
- Clear pricing
- No unexpected recurring charges
The software should also clearly explain its limitations.
For example, a document-preparation company should not be confused with a law firm simply because its website discusses divorce law.
Top Recommended Software Programs for Agreed Divorces
Several online providers offer tools for uncontested divorce document preparation. Features, prices, eligibility rules, and delivery policies can change, so consumers should verify the current terms before purchasing.
Top Pick for Ease of Use
DivorceWriter is one example of a service built around a guided online interview.
According to its current website, users select their state, complete an online interview, and receive customized divorce documents. The company says completed documents can be downloaded immediately after the interview.
Its current package includes items such as:
- State-specific divorce documents.
- Settlement agreement.
- Spousal support provisions.
- Former-name restoration.
- Child-support calculation.
- Parenting plan.
- Filing instructions.
- Email and phone support.
- Revisions for two years.
The service also states that it does not provide legal advice and is a self-help document service.
This type of guided questionnaire can be useful for people who want more structure than downloading forms directly from a court website.
Top Pick for Lowest Price
Price should be compared carefully because an advertised software price is usually not the total cost of the divorce.
For example, DivorceWriter currently lists a promotional price of $137 for its divorce document package, while court filing fees are separate.
When comparing prices, look at:
- Document preparation fee.
- Court filing fee.
- Printing charges.
- Mailing charges.
- Optional upgrades.
- Attorney-review costs.
- Recurring subscription fees.
- Additional charges for children.
- Additional charges for corrections.
Some state courts provide their own divorce forms for free. New York, for example, publishes uncontested divorce forms and even offers a DIY program for qualifying users.
That means the value of paid software is not simply the forms themselves. The convenience comes from the questionnaire, document assembly, instructions, and other support features.
Top Pick for Guided Assistance
LegalZoom offers an uncontested divorce service alongside access to other legal-document and attorney-related services. Its current divorce information explains that uncontested divorce involves agreement on major matters such as property, debt, support, and custody.
One distinction consumers should examine is whether a particular package provides:
- Automated document preparation.
- Human review.
- Attorney access.
- Customer-service support.
- Filing assistance.
- Step-by-step instructions.
These are different levels of assistance and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Key Steps to Complete Your DIY Divorce Smoothly
A good online questionnaire can simplify document preparation, but the user still needs to provide accurate information.
Step 1: Confirm that the divorce is uncontested
Make sure both spouses agree on the major terms.
Step 2: Check state eligibility
Residency requirements vary by state. The state where you were married is not necessarily the state where you must file.
Step 3: Gather your information
Prepare:
- Marriage information.
- Addresses.
- Employment information.
- Income information.
- Children’s information.
- Property details.
- Debt information.
- Existing agreements.
- Support information.
Step 4: Complete the questionnaire carefully
Do not guess at important information simply to finish the questionnaire faster.
Step 5: Review the generated documents
Check:
- Names.
- Dates.
- Addresses.
- Property descriptions.
- Debt information.
- Child information.
- Support terms.
- Requested orders.
Step 6: Follow the filing instructions
The software may prepare documents, but the court generally controls the filing process.
How to Keep Your Divorce Uncontested from Start to Finish
Preparing documents is only one part of keeping a divorce uncontested.
The couple also needs to maintain agreement while completing the court process.
Helpful practices include:
- Put agreements in writing.
- Review the settlement terms together.
- Discuss property and debt before starting the questionnaire.
- Make sure both spouses understand the documents.
- Avoid changing major terms after filing unless necessary.
- Respond to court requests promptly.
- Keep copies of everything submitted.
- Follow local court instructions.
It is also important to recognize when DIY software is no longer appropriate.
Consider obtaining legal advice if:
- One spouse refuses to sign.
- There is a major dispute over property.
- Custody is contested.
- There are substantial assets.
- A business is involved.
- Retirement accounts are complicated.
- There are questions about military benefits.
- Domestic violence or safety concerns exist.
- One spouse cannot be located.
- The couple disagrees about support.
Online software can prepare documents, but it cannot resolve a disagreement between spouses.
Final Thoughts
DIY divorce software can be useful for couples who have already reached a mutual agreement and want help preparing paperwork.
The main advantages are guided questionnaires, document automation, state-specific forms, and filing instructions.
Before selecting a service, compare:
- Price
- Included documents
- State coverage
- Questionnaire design
- Revision policy
- Customer support
- Attorney access
- Filing instructions
- Refund policy
- Recurring charges
There is also an important alternative: some courts provide their own free DIY divorce programs. New York Courts, for example, offers a DIY uncontested divorce program for qualifying users.