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Online Divorce Services Tempting, But Lacking
Approximately half of all marriages have a not-so-happy ending—divorce. Nowadays couples have multiple options for dissolving their union, from court litigation, to mediation, to online divorce.
The Lure of a Digital Divorce
Websites tempting couples with a quick, painless, and cheap divorce are gaining popularity on the Internet. By using an online divorce service, couples can end their marriage for as little as $28.95.
The sites generally provide document-preparation services only and, depending on particular circumstances, fees can range from the upper $20s to several hundred.
Not for Everyone
As alluring as it sounds, a digital divorce isn’t for everyone. An online divorce is a possible option for childless couples who’ve been married for less than two years—assuming that the couple agrees on the terms of the divorce.
“The key to the $29 divorce is two people communicating. If you can sit down at your kitchen table and set aside your anger, fear, sadness and terror and say let’s work this thing out, then maybe you can do it,‿ said Ellen Zack, a former family law attorney in Boston.
Zack admits, however, that communicating is not every couple’s strong suit.
“Most people don’t communicate very well and when you’re getting a divorce you don’t want to sit across from your spouse and talk. I used to say my job was one part lawyer, one part clergy person and 98 parts psychiatrist,‿ she said.
Other Options
If an online divorce just isn’t in the cards, couples have other options. Mediation is gaining popularity these days and is often less expensive than full-blown divorce litigation.
In a mediated divorce, couples try to come to some kind of agreement with regard to financial and custodial matters and then a mediator helps resolve any conflicts or outstanding issues. Each party should hire legal counsel to look over the final agreement to make sure his/her interests are protected.
Collaborative divorces are also generating a lot of buzz these days. In a collaborative divorce, spouses hire lawyers to represent their interests and agree to settle the case without litigation. This option also tends to cost less than a battle taken up in court.
(Source: ABC News)
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