Wondering if it’s possible to get a divorce with no job and no money? Yes, you can. States don’t want to keep you in a marriage you don’t want to be in, so they provide options for you. In addition to some affordable online divorce options, you may also be able to find support from a legal aid society in your state.
How much does a divorce cost?
Before we delve into the ways you can get financial help with your divorce, let’s look at the cost of traditional divorce.
The cost of a divorce depends on multiple factors, including where you live and the going rate for divorce attorneys in your area. The total cost also depends on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. The former is often much more expensive than the latter.
Attorney fees and court fees are the largest fees you’ll face during divorce. Ultimately, the total will depend on your unique situation, but in a traditional setting, you can expect to pay over $5,000 for an uncontested divorce and double that – or more – for a contested divorce.
Recommended reading: List of Possible Divorce Fees and Costs
Attorney fees
Having an experienced attorney on your side can be invaluable. Of course, that comes at a cost. Depending on where you live and the complexity of your divorce, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 or more for an attorney.
Court fees
In addition to paying your attorney, you'll also have to cover the court fees associated with filing for divorce. These fees vary depending on the jurisdiction but typically range from $100 to $500. However, you may be eligible for fee waivers or reductions.
Financial solutions to help you get divorced
The thought of paying for a divorce may seem daunting. The good news is, financial solutions exist to help you get through your divorce without racking up an absurd amount of debt.
Divorce loans
A divorce loan is a type of personal loan that can cover the costs of your divorce, including attorney's fees, court costs, and even spousal support or child support payments. There are a few different ways to get a divorce loan. You can take out a personal loan from a bank or credit union, or you can get a loan from a company that specializes in divorce loans.
Legal aid
Legal aid is free legal assistance for low-income individuals. There are many organizations that offer legal aid services, which can include anything from advice and counseling to full pro bono representation in court. To see if you qualify for legal aid services, contact your local legal aid office, or search online for "free legal help."
If you want a divorce, you can get one. Even if it seems daunting and you’re afraid you can’t afford the costs, know that you have options, including fee waivers from your state.
Divorce fee waiver
As mentioned, divorce filing fees alone can total between $100 and $500. Fortunately, you can apply for a fee waiver from the court.
How can I apply to waive my filing fee for divorce?
You will need to prove your financial need to the court. To do this, you must provide documentation of your income and assets as well as any debts you owe. This can be done by providing copies of recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and credit card bills.
Step 1: Prove your need for a fee waiver
The first step in getting a fee waiver is to prove your need. Most courts will require that you show you cannot afford to pay the fees associated with filing for divorce. This may include providing proof of your income, assets, and debts.
Step 2: Request a fee waiver
Once you have proven your need, request a fee waiver from the court. This can usually be done by completing a form or writing a letter to the court.
Step 3: Attend a hearing
After you have requested the waiver, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, you will present your case for why you should receive a fee waiver. The court will then decide whether to grant your request. In some cases, they may not grant you a full waiver, but they may grant you a fee reduction. This depends on the evidence you provide and the fees associated with a divorce in your state.
Hello Divorce: An affordable option
Hello Divorce offers individuals low-cost online divorce plans. These range from getting access to legally compliant divorce documents in your state to full legal assistance. We also provide access to attorneys and mediators who can help facilitate your divorce and divorce financial planning with a certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA).
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