Overview
Created in 1995, DivorceNet has since assisted over 850,000 customers with their divorces. The platform is owned by Nolo, a group of legal sites providing legal information, affordable do-it-yourself products, and a lawyer directory for consumers and small business owners.
DivorceNet’s articles are written by seasoned attorneys and legal experts specializing in divorce. Plus, you can rest assured that your mediation is in capable hands, as DivorceNet’s expert mediators have 20 years of industry experience.
DivorceNet receives a rating of 3.6 out of five stars on Trustpilot, based on 14 reviews. Although one review described DivorceNet’s documents as confusing and outdated, others praised DivorceNet’s ease of use, describing the platform as helpful. While DivorceNet doesn’t appear to have a BBB rating, Nolo is rated A+.
What Does DivorceNet Provide?
DivorceNet is an online divorce platform offering the following services:
- Various articles on state divorce laws prepared by experts. These cover topics such as child custody, alimony, division of property, and the divorce process. DivorceNet also provides a free downloadable guide with a 10-step checklist of things to consider when preparing your divorce.
- Assistance with finding a local divorce attorney. You simply enter your ZIP code and brief details of your situation on the website, and DivorceNet connects you with a local lawyer via its national directory. It’s worth noting these attorneys are not necessarily endorsed by DivorceNet— they pay to advertise on the platform.
- Online mediation services. If you and your spouse disagree on some aspects of the divorce agreement, DivorceNet offers online mediation. A mediation expert will help you discuss these issues and finalize a divorce agreement without spending tens of thousands of dollars on attorney fees or undergoing lengthy court hearings.
- Online divorce. DivorceNet can help prepare divorce papers for you to file with the relevant court.
How DivorceNet Works
You can prepare an online divorce with DivorceNet in three easy steps via its website.
1. Qualification
First, you sign up for an account. At the same time, DivorceNet confirms whether you qualify to use the service by asking if you and your spouse agree on the terms of the divorce and whether you know where your spouse is.
2. Questionnaire
You then answer a series of questions about your divorce via your online account. DivorceNet uses your responses to prepare your divorce papers. If you have any difficulties, DivorceNet’s customer service is available to help you through this process. The platform also offers a free negotiation tool if a disagreement arises between you and your spouse.
3. Print, sign, and file divorce papers
DivorceNet then sends you your divorce papers electronically or via priority mail, along with step-by-step filing instructions. You and your spouse sign and file the documents with your local court.
Before signing up, it’s important to assess whether DivorceNet’s online mediation and divorce solutions suit your situation. Like any online divorce service, DivorceNet is primarily designed for uncontested divorces, where the spouses agree on issues such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and the division of property.
If you and your spouse contest the main issues in the divorce agreement or you no longer communicate, you may need to engage an attorney. DivorceNet provides a downloadable guide to help you assess your options. You can also take an online quiz to determine whether you can prepare your own divorce solely with the help of DivorceNet’s services.
We like that DivorceNet offers several screening steps to help you decide if it can assist you before you proceed too far with the platform.
DivorceNet Customer Support
Several reviewers praise the responsiveness of DivorceNet’s customer support. In addition to various online help guides, DivorceNet offers toll-free phone and email support from Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm (PT).
DivorceNet Pricing
DivorceNet offers a combination of free and paid-for products and services:
The platform offers the option of paying in monthly installments. Note that DivorceNet’s prices do not include filing fees, which vary between states, so you should take this into account when preparing your divorce.
We particularly appreciate DivorceNet’s comprehensive refund policy. It’s reassuring to know that you’ll receive a full refund of the purchase price if the court rejects your papers, as long as you notify DivorceNet within 30 days of receiving the rejection.
Also, if you purchase a DivorceNet product and choose not to proceed, you can request a full refund within 30 days of purchase if you have yet to access your portal or use the product. DivorceNet may also offer a prorated refund to parties who cannot reach an agreement and decide not to proceed with mediation.
Bottom Line
DivorceNet offers free and affordable online resources to help you with your divorce. It publishes articles on its website on various divorce-related topics and maintains a directory of divorce lawyers in your local area. While DivorceNet is best suited for uncontested divorces, it does provide expert online mediation alongside its divorce paper preparation services.