How to Divorce With No Money

The decision to get a divorce is not easy. It causes a lot of stress, leading to anxiety and self-doubt. Yes, emotional stress can turn your life upside down, not to mention the financial and social strain that can be very challenging even for the most resilient people.

However, in some cases, divorce becomes necessary, and taking this step is the only way forward. This time may be tough but once the wound is healed you’ll certainly feel a relief.

Unfortunately, divorce can cost much more than heartache. The financial weight associated with divorce can be too much to bear for some couples. The lack of financial assistance can make the situation even more difficult. 

However, there are various options for those who want to divorce with no money. We will reveal how you can save on the attorney fees, or get free legal help altogether.

10 Ways to Get a Divorce With No Money

If you don’t have a fixed source of income, relax! We prepared a list of tips to make things less painful for you, or at least help save money during this costly situation. 

Just bear in mind that legal procedures may vary across states, so not all tips can be fulfilled in the same way in different states. You should familiarize yourself with your state’s laws before proceeding.

1. Bank on Pro Bono Legal Representation

A good divorce lawyer may be very expensive. Attorney fees often put people off from legally divorcing even if the situation calls for it. If you’re looking to get free legal help, search for a divorce attorney who works pro bono. 

Pro bono means “for the public good.” For example, family lawyers can assist their underprivileged clients throughout the divorce process for free. Sometimes it’s relatively new lawyers who agree to provide free services because they need to gain experience. However, more senior lawyers also provide pro bono services as a way to give back to society.

Each state should have a list of divorce attorneys who provide free services in case of divorce. Look for that list via the Bar Association.

Another thing you can do is get in touch with legal offices in your area and ask if they provide a pro bono service and who would qualify for that. You may be asked to prove that you’re in need of free service by providing financial records that show your expenses, income, and debt. 

2. Request Fee Waivers

If you are poor and needy, never hesitate to request a fee waiver. Yes, family courts have this facility as long as you can prove you are going through a dire financial crisis. However, any misrepresentation of fact is a punishable offense. 

A fee waiver will allow you to file divorce papers for free. It also means you won’t have to pay for certified copies, process fees, and most other costs. To qualify for a fee waiver, you have to:

• Receive public benefits;
• Prove that your household income before taxes is below a set amount;
• Prove that you can’t afford to meet your basic financial needs and pay the court fees.

If you meet these criteria, the court may grant you a fee waiver.

3. File for Simplified Divorce

Do you have no assets, children, or money? Good for you – you can file for a simplified divorce. If you and your ex-partner can agree on all issues related to the divorce, your application can move forward on the simplified track.

All you need to do is get the forms from the county clerk’s office, fill them out, appear before the judge, and get divorced. If you proceed with a simplified divorce, the entire process, including court procedures, may take about four months.

4. Be Friendly With Your Ex-Partner

An amicable divorce is less exhausting and expensive because it saves the attorney’s time and energy. Be on good terms with your partner for a smoother (and cheaper) divorce process. 

Moreover, divorce is a stressful event on its own. You don’t want to make it even worse by fighting with your (ex) partner. Especially if you have children together. 

Consider what impact this stage of your life may have on their future and think twice before doing or saying something that may impact your kids and your ex-partner’s relationships. Even if someone will have to pay child support, this doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a fair relationship with their kid.

Court procedures will certainly be more bearable if you go there with a friendly approach toward your ex.

5. Reach Out to the Nearest Legal Aid Office or a Non-Profit Organization

Once you decide to get a divorce, it may be difficult to know where to start. A good idea is to approach your nearest legal aid office or find a non-profit organization that may help you. 

You will get adequate information about the process of getting a divorce from the legal aid office. You can also get a list of lawyers to take up your case for free.

These places may not be able to cover your legal fees but they may give you valuable advice and guide you in finding the resources you need. Moreover, moral support in this situation is also very important.

6. Utilize Mediation Services

Misunderstandings are commonplace issues that divorcing couples face. A private mediation service is the best option to pinpoint disagreements and mitigate problems. Mediators are a third person who doesn’t take sides and help separated couples see eye-to-eye. 

Mediators can help reach an agreement when it comes to problems with finances, assets, or kids. Speaking to a mediator before going to a divorce attorney can help you reach an agreement and save on legal fees.

7. Ask for a Delay

If you feel overwhelmed by the process and need some time, you can request a delay. You can also ask the court to delay the divorce proceedings until you can afford the required fees.

During this time, you can earn extra money and use it to pay legal fees. Whether it’s taking up an extra job, working more hours, or getting passive income, even a small delay can be exactly what you need. 

8. Trust a Paralegal

If you’re not sure if you can afford an attorney, consider hiring a paralegal. Paralegals can handle all the paperwork, the filings, and more. Their service costs way cheaper than a licensed attorney. 

Why hire a paralegal?

• Paralegals can reduce divorce costs. Most attorneys use paralegals to deal with the paperwork but you end up paying full price for attorney services. So going straight to the paralegal will save you some cash. 
• Paralegals can take care of the paperwork. Most people, luckily, don’t have too much experience in filing for divorce, so it’s easy to get lost in the documents. 
• You’ll save time and mental resources. Divorces are tiring so take all the help you can get.

9. Utilize Divorce Services Online

Couples who want peaceful separation can try online divorce services. All you need is a computer with a stable internet connection. 

You’ll be surprised how many sites offer this service. If you check their reviews, you’ll find happily divorced couples who praise the sites for helping to get divorced quickly and stress-free.

Some top sites also offer additional benefits and free perks, such as online divorce mediation services and case evaluation by a divorce lawyer. Other sites offer a full refund if divorce papers aren’t accepted.

10. Request Your Soon-To-Be-Ex to Bear the Expenses

This one is straightforward. If your partner has more money and enough motivation to get a divorce then perhaps they can also pay for it. 

If you maintain good terms with your spouse, they might agree to pay for the divorce. Appeal to the court to have your spouse bear the expenses by proving your precarious financial condition. You may have to provide proof of your financial situation by granting the court access to your bank accounts. 

Can I Get a Divorce If I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?

You can get a divorce even if you can’t afford a lawyer. You must meet some criteria in order to be eligible for a free divorce or a fee waiver. The court will evaluate various factors, such as:

• Income – depending on the state, if your gross income is below a certain line, you will be considered indigent and therefore eligible for a free divorce. 
• Assets – the court will assess your assets such as property, savings, and investments to determine your financial state.
• Family size – the income threshold depends on your family size.
• Public assistance – in some states, a person who gets public assistance, may automatically qualify for a free divorce or a court fee waiver.

Each state may have different criteria so it’s best to get in touch with your local court clerk’s office and inquire about specific requirements.

Conclusion

While divorce can certainly be an expensive ordeal, the good news is that you have options that will help you divorce with no money.

Moreover, you can make money on Pawns.app today! Complete surveys, and share your unused bandwidth through the platform, and start earning instantly. What are you waiting for? Isn’t it brilliant? Handle your divorce through the above means, and don’t let it burn a hole in your pocket.

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