If you’re in a difficult situation with your partner but lack the financial means to take action, you can still get a divorce even if you don’t have any money.
Things to do: get divorce documents, give financial evidence, request a fee waiver, keep a civil relationship, use caution in hiring a legal professional, use legal aid or non-profit help, use a mediator, process paperwork, choose a simplified divorce, get a family court fee waiver, discuss covering costs, credit as an option, hire a paralegal; and how to handle it all.
What Should I Do to Get a Divorce If I Don’t Have Any Money?
In real life, no one opens a savings account when they marry to prepare for the possibility of divorce. It means that if both parties decide to end a relationship, expenses will rack up.
Separation and divorce are both emotionally taxing on both parties. If you find yourself in a difficult financial situation, you may be unaware that there are resources available to assist you.
In some cases, family law attorneys will provide free consultations, which may provide an answer to your ordeal on how to get a divorce with no money. Most people are surprised to learn that some legal professionals may offer their services pro bono.
During the consultations, try to learn as much as you can about the process and create a budget that includes the lawyer’s initial deposit and subsequent payments, court fees and miscellaneous fees, and even counseling, to name a few.
If you believe your marriage is in trouble and that there’s a possibility of separation and succeeding divorce, you should begin preparing financially by cutting unnecessary expenses, opening a savings account, and avoiding large purchases or committing to lengthy financial liabilities.
Is It Possible to Get a Divorce If You Don’t Have Any Money?
If a relationship is in trouble, no one wants to go through the difficulty and divorce is only way to finish the marriage. Unfortunately, if you find the divorce process expensive, it only adds to your stress.
Although insufficient funds shouldn’t be a barrier for couples considering divorce, many are wondering if it’s possible to do so for free.
In some cases, a lack of knowledge may prevent individuals from carrying out their plans. If both parties are serious about ending the relationship, the proceedings should be relatively simple. Unfortunately, divorce can be complicated and costly.
Legal fees are likely in any situation where the presence of a judge is required, and the cost can be even higher if you have multiple assets, properties, or children.
You should not give up hope, however, because there are situations in which you can obtain free legal assistance for divorce.
Ways On How to Get a Divorce with No Money
If you’re wondering how to get a divorce with no money, there may be some options to consider. These possibilities will come in handy by providing insights into how to make your situation manageable.
When you’re in a low financial position to go through the divorce process, it can make an already heartbreaking ordeal even more difficult to bear. Fortunately, there are several options on how to get a divorce with no money.
You must try to prepare and search for different options, but this can be a difficult process. Luckily, there are some things to think about if you’re going through a divorce with no money to make the process manageable.
Indigents Are Exempt from Paying Divorce Fees
If you’re wondering how to file for divorce when you don’t have any money, it’s a good idea to know that your state may have an indigent divorce or fee waiver procedure that allows you to file for divorce and request that the court relinquish all court fees connected to the legal process.
The procedure is specifically designed to help people with limited financial resources end their marriages.
Obtaining The Divorce Paperwork
Obtaining the forms is the first part of getting the costs covered if you plan on getting a divorce.
The first step is to find your local divorce or family court online. In most cases, you’ll be able to download or print the forms from their website.
Make certain that you obtain both the divorce forms and those requesting a fee waiver.
Check to see if there is an instruction booklet that’ll function as your guide. You could also go directly to the courthouse to obtain the forms.
Keep in mind that you must meet the residency requirements of your state. Remember that unless you’re eligible, you’ll not be able to file in your state.
Include all necessary information, such as your children, debts, assets, date of marriage, and reason for divorce.
You must also state whether you want child support, alimony, or the division of marital assets.
Providing Financial Evidence
If you want to have the charges in your separation cleared, you should provide concrete evidence to the court that you’re indigent or poor.
You must provide proof of your income from all available sources, as well as your assets and debts. In most cases, the tax returns might also be asked.
You’ll know what paperwork the court requires once you’ve reviewed the forms. Fortunately, you’ll need to collect them anyway because everyone filing for divorce is required by the court to provide financial disclosure.
Request A Fee Waiver
Once you’ve completed all the necessary paperwork, it’s time to file it. Notarizations will be required for the document. You could get the forms signed and sealed at your bank if you have one or kindly ask a clerk to notarize the forms once you submit them.
Try To Maintain a Civil Relationship
Things don’t have to be sour between you and your partner depending on the situation. When you both agree to keep things civil, it can make the process go more smoothly and help keep costs down.
If both parties are friendly and accommodating, the proceedings will flow smoothly and there’s lower chances of claims to be disputed and racking up more legal fees.
Once each party has made an agreement, an attorney is no longer required to navigate the contested issues. In general, an uncontested divorce is less expensive, with reduced fees and less intervention from a lawyer.
Exercise Caution When Hiring a Legal Professional
If you’re looking for a way to get a divorce without spending any money, you should look for family law attorneys who provide pro bono services.
Although it may be difficult to find one, you should check with the bar association or the courthouse to see if there are any suitable options in your area.
Working with a legal professional, on the other hand, will cost you more. However, if you only use the services for specific aspects of the proceedings, you may be able to reduce your fees.
Remember that if the parties in a divorce don’t contest the conditions, a lawyer will have few tasks to complete. If both parties can reach an agreement on filing, it’ll save you money.
You can also request a reduction in costs or even a discount if your financial situation is considered.
It can be tough to locate someone who’ll agree to that, but someone may be willing to incorporate an installment plan rather than a lump.
This method gives you room to maneuver as you adjust to single life.
Make Use of Legal Aid or Non-Profit Assistance
A local legal aid office may be a good source of information on divorce proceedings and the documents required during the process. Additionally, your state’s bar association may provide information on lawyers who offer affordable services or pro bono assistance.
You can also look for local private non-profits in your area that may provide volunteer legal services. In general, they provide consultations and can assist you with paperwork. Regrettably, not all cities or states may have these.
Employ The Services of a Mediator
Hiring a mediator is another cost-effective option for figuring out how to get a divorce with no money. The services work by assisting both parties in coming to terms with minor disagreements.
The mediator is a trained representative who can assist in resolving conflicts amicably and reaching a decision that both parties are willing to accept.
The process may charge a fee, but it may save you money on attorney fees during the divorce proceedings.
Take Care of The Paperwork
When you and your partner have agreed on all the terms, processing the paperwork is a cost-effective option. In most cases, you only need to pay the filing fees for the court and possibly notary fees.
The county clerk can provide you with the necessary forms, which are easily accessible via their website.
Choosing A Simplified Divorce
For couples who have no assets, don’t qualify for alimony, and don’t have children, some jurisdictions allow individuals to apply for a simplified divorce.
Depending on the court system, either party can appear in front of the judge to have the divorce granted, or you can file the documents and have them presented without appearing.
Obtain A Family Court Fee Waiver
If a client is truly indigent, family court systems typically offer waiver options to relinquish filing fees.
To learn more about the waiver system in your state, contact the county clerk’s office or a legal aid office in your area.
In general, it’s based on your income level, which you must prove in court. Keep in mind that the court may consider any false statement to be perjury.
Discuss About Responsibility on Covering the Costs
If you’re trying to figure out how to get a divorce with no money, it’s best to communicate with your spouse.
When spouses are on good terms and one is aware that the other party is facing financial difficulties, it’s possible for the other party to shoulder the responsibility for the fees.
If not willingly, many jurisdictions will allow a party with limited financial resources to file a petition to have the other party pay the lawyer’s fees both during and after the proceedings.
An advantage of hiring an attorney is that you’ll receive legal advice about this option if you’re unaware of it, as well as assurance that your expenses will be covered.
Credit As an Alternative Option
If you need to work with a legal professional because of specific disagreements that result in a debatable proceeding, you can pay the legal fees with your credit card.
Lawyers now accept cash, checks, and credit cards. You can also apply for a loan, borrow money from family, friends, and work colleagues, or even raise money.
The only concern is that borrowed money used to pay for the proceedings is viewed as marital debt, which means it must eventually be split between the two parties.
Hiring The Services of a Paralegal
Consider hiring a paralegal or a legal document preparer if you’re overwhelmed by the task of handling documents or if you don’t have the time to file the paperwork with the court.
Saving money is also an option with this approach.
A paralegal is trained to handle divorce-related documents as well as the filing. In most cases, you’ll pay less than a licensed attorney.
In most cases, it’s the paralegal in an attorney’s office who handles these documents and filings, so you can rest assured that they’re well-versed in the procedure.
Stress on a Budget
Separating from a partner and eventually filing for divorce in court can cause significant stress for both parties, especially those who cannot afford the high legal fees.
If it’s clear that reconciliation isn’t an option worth considering, you should investigate assistance options to figure out how to get a divorce with no money, which is especially common among low-income couples.
In general, it would entail contacting the local county clerk to learn about available resources, such as attorneys who offer discounts or even pro bono divorces.
Getting a divorce can be one of the most expensive legal processes. Even if you intend to represent yourself, you must pay the high court divorce fees. These fees can run into hundreds of dollars.
Final Thoughts – How to Get a Divorce with No Money
Divorce may be the last option for couples who are having difficulties in their marriage. When problems in a marriage appear to be too difficult to deal with, most people decide to file for divorce.
You must be financially prepared for the expenses associated with such a complex legal process.
