In today’s world, almost everything can be found online, including divorce services. That’s right. You can now file for divorce all on your own from the comfort of your home. But is it really better than working with an experienced attorney?

Today, we’ll explore online divorce services. What are they? Do they work, and how well? Or is it better to work with family law attorneys in Utah to help you through this difficult time?

How to File for Divorce

When most people think of divorce cases, they typically think of hiring a divorce lawyer who handles all the affairs of the case. This sentiment still holds true today and remains the most recommended path in divorce cases so you, whether as the filing or non-filing spouse, can receive a fair settlement.

However, if you are unable to hire a family law attorney to oversee your case due to your inability to afford their service fee, there are other options available via online services.

Online Divorce Services: How Do They Work?

These programs and services put the power in your hands, allowing you to file and manage your case on your own. Some even offer guidance and assistance, giving you the control and convenience you need during this challenging time. 

Online Court Assistance Program

The Online Court Assistance Program, or OCAP, is the online system provided by the Utah State Court for individuals who do not have an attorney to represent them. The program allows individuals to set up an account and prepare their court documents. The OCAP also provides video tutorials to help users understand the interfaces, so they can ensure that their documents are completed accurately.

Other Online Divorce Services

Similar to OCAP, other websites offer online divorce services that allow individuals to complete their divorce forms on their own. However, most of these service programs come with a fee or monthly subscription, which differs in price from program to program.

It is important to note that while most programs will offer guidance throughout the document preparation process, none of these services help finalize the divorce or interact with the court.

Benefits of Filing Online

The most notable benefit of filing for divorce online is the cost savings. Hiring an attorney can cost thousands of dollars compared to the roughly $200 fee for online services.

Some of these programs offer extra services for an additional fee. These include the ability to speak with an attorney and have a lawyer review the court documents before filing. You can also pay to have your forms printed and mailed to you.

Another benefit is that completing the documents is more convenient and flexible with your schedule since you decide when you will sit down and do it. This can also make the whole process faster and easier if you have all your tax documents, pay stubs, bank records, etc., handy when you sit down to file.

Drawbacks of Online Divorce Systems

Divorce is Not Free

No matter how you slice it, filing for divorce is not free, so there will always be some monetary obligations and risks. Even if you are using OCAP, there are still several fees involved, including a fee to file the petition, MyPaperwork fees, a fee for the Office of Vital Records and Statistics, fees to serve the petition and summons, and copying costs. If children under 18 are involved, there are also fees for the Divorce Education and Divorce Orientation classes.

Lack of Personalized Legal Advice

Whether working with a third-party service or filing through the OCAP interface, you are ultimately doing it on your own. While this can be freeing to some, it may make the already difficult decision of filing for divorce frustrating and overwhelming to others.

While some online services allow you to speak to a lawyer for an additional fee, this is only for the paperwork preparation process. Once you file the petition, you are on your own for the rest of the divorce proceeding and finalizing.

Risk of Costly Mistakes

Without a professional legal advisor, you risk agreeing to settle for less than you deserve from the divorce settlement.

Privacy Concerns

Divorce cases and all information presented are generally kept confidential between the involved spouses, their attorneys, and the state court. However, when you use an online divorce service, other than OCAP, you voluntarily submit your private, sensitive information to a third party who isn’t directly involved. This could be a cause for concern if the service providers aren’t 100% trustworthy. So make sure you do your research before you sign up for an online service.

Limited Support for Complex Cases

Online divorce services are not typically designed for complicated cases. They work well for uncontested divorce cases where both parties agree upon a settlement. This usually means each spouse has very few assets and debts, and no children are involved. However, these services can also work well for parents who have agreed on a custody arrangement.

In these cases, online service can be a less expensive way to complete the paperwork and move on. However, in contested divorce cases, you may accidentally forfeit some of your rights due to a lack of understanding.

Also, these online programs do not allow you to select some divorce options. For instance, if you need an annulment, you will need to speak to an attorney as online services do not provide help for annulments or other complex issues.

Don’t Go Through Divorce Alone

Hiring an attorney may seem unnecessary, but having an experienced legal advisor can help you where online services fail. 

A family law attorney will guide you through each step of the divorce process, from filing to interacting with the court to finalizing. Not only can a legal counselor advise you on what you can and cannot do to protect your rights and get a fair settlement, but divorce attorneys can take some of the burden off your shoulders, making sure all the correct documentation is collected and submitted and served in within the necessary timeframe.

If you have a complex issue, feel unsure about how the divorce process works, or cannot reach an agreement with your spouse, having a family law attorney on your side can help you make important decisions and understand your rights to get the best possible outcome.

Conclusion

Before anything else, make sure you are informed about the various paths you can take to get through the divorce proceedings. If you have an uncontested divorce, you may want to consider using OCAP or another online divorce service to submit your paperwork quickly so you and your spouse can move on without hurting your pocketbook. However, if you are feeling unsure or have more complex issues, it is recommended that you seek professional help from a Utah family law attorney. They can give you personalized advice, assist you in filing the correct paperwork, and guide you through the divorce process.