One of the most common reasons women stay in unhappy or even dangerous marriages is money. The fear of not being able to afford a divorce can feel paralyzing. But here is the truth: It is possible to get divorced with little or no money. It may take some creativity, persistence, and extra effort, but you do have options.
Your approach will depend on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. If it is uncontested, that means you and your spouse agree on all the major issues, including money, parenting time, and division of property. These cases are often simpler and cheaper because you are not fighting in court. If your divorce is contested, meaning there are disagreements that need a judge to resolve, you will likely need more help with the process, which can add costs.
Option 1: Do It Yourself
The most affordable path is to file the paperwork yourself. This works best when the divorce is uncontested and there are few complications. Many courts provide forms online that you can fill out and file on your own. The drawback is that it requires time, organization, and patience to make sure everything is done correctly. If your situation is more complex or you and your spouse cannot agree on important issues, a DIY divorce can quickly become overwhelming.
Option 2: Legal Aid Societies
Most states have legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost help to people with limited income. These services can range from answering your questions to representing you in court. Not every legal aid office handles divorce cases, so you will need to check with the organization in your area to see what is available. If they do take on divorces, this can be a lifeline for women who cannot otherwise afford an attorney.
Option 3: Online Divorce Services
Another option is to use an online service. Platforms like Hello Divorce or similar companies provide affordable help with forms and guidance on the process. While they are not a substitute for personalized legal advice in complex cases, they can be a cost-effective solution for straightforward divorces.
Filing Fees and Waivers
Even if you do everything yourself, you will still have to pay court filing fees, which are usually between $300 and $500. For someone with no money, that can feel like an impossible barrier. But there is good news: courts often allow fee waivers for people who can show financial hardship. You may need to complete an affidavit of indigency to prove you cannot afford the fee. If approved, the court will waive the filing costs so you can move forward.
Saving on Attorney Fees
If you do need an attorney, one way to keep your costs down is by doing as much work as possible yourself. For example, gathering and organizing financial documents before you hand them over to your attorney can save you thousands of dollars. Lawyers bill by the hour, so every piece of legwork you do on your own means fewer hours they need to spend on your case.
You Do Have Options
Divorce can feel out of reach when you are worried about money, but there are paths forward even if you have little or no income. From DIY filings to legal aid and online services, there are resources that can help you take those first steps toward independence.
If you are worried about more than just the cost and you want to be strategic, protected, and treated fairly in the process, then you need a plan. That is why I created the Divorce STRATEGY Guide. It is your roadmap through this process, showing you how to be smart, be strategic, and win your divorce without wasting time, money, or energy.
You only get one chance at your divorce settlement. Make sure you do it right.
