If your divorce is uncontested — both spouses agree on property, debt, custody, and support — you can usually handle it yourself for the cost of filing fees. If anything is in dispute, going alone gets risky fast. Here's how to tell which situation you're in and how to proceed.
Sit down with your spouse and write out who gets what — house, cars, retirement, debts, custody, support. If you can agree on everything in writing, you're a candidate for pro se. If not, hire counsel.
Most state court websites have free "self-help" divorce packets. You'll typically need a Petition, Summons, Marital Settlement Agreement, and (if kids) a Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet.
Filing fees range from $200 to $400 in TX, AZ, NV, and NM. If money is tight, ask the clerk for a fee-waiver application. File in the county where you (or your spouse) meet the residency rules.
Your spouse must be officially notified through service of process — usually a sheriff or process server, sometimes by signed waiver. Skipping or botching service is the #1 reason DIY divorces get rejected.
If your spouse contests anything, hides assets, or there's domestic violence, abuse, or major custody conflict, stop and hire counsel. The cost of fixing a bad pro se result is usually higher than the savings.
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NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice.