(Newswire.net — September 8, 2020) — When society started embracing the internet as a means to an end, we knew that we could do quite a lot online but who would have thought that divorce would be one of those things? These days, we can do practically anything online, including filing for divorce. Divorce over the internet is becoming increasingly popular as estranged couples look for inexpensive and faster ways to execute a divorce. Although a divorce decree still has to come from the court, online divorce services can take care of everything from divorce form preparation to filing. But is online divorce legal? If a couple relies on assistance over the internet to dissolve their union, does the law recognize it?
Is online divorce legal?
Of course, it is. Online divorce is legal, and the laws of Utah recognize it. However, there is a condition that must be met before this kind of divorce can be completed. The divorce has to be uncontested. If one spouse contests the divorce on any grounds, the process will have to move forward as contested, which requires court intervention. Couples failing to agree on one or more issues should seek legal representation.
Is filing for an online divorce a good idea?
Many people started their relationship over the internet, so it should come as no surprise that there are people who don’t mind ending their marriages using the same medium. Web divorce without an attorney may serve your interests if the process is an uncontested one. You spend less money completing the divorce since you won’t need an attorney. Also, online divorce affords you the option of completing the process in the shortest possible time.
In addition to the two advantages above, you get to enjoy some semblance of anonymity. A DIY divorce is quite convenient, and there are outstanding divorce companies online that can help you. Some of the best online divorce websites offer a variety of self-help and consultancy services to simplify the process. In most cases, the only time you will need an attorney is to review the divorce papers.
Using the services of online divorce websites in Utah
Using the services of a reputable third-party website is one of the smartest ways to experience a stress-free divorce. Some of the significant issues that must be resolved before you use an online medium include:
- Child custody and visitation
- Spousal support
- Child support
- Division of assets/liabilities
If you and your spouse have addressed all these issues, you can file for divorce online in Utah without any problems. The website can prepare all your divorce documents. Just complete an online questionnaire about the details of your case, pay the service fee, and receive all the necessary documents customized for your situation. Simply download the forms, sign them in the presence of a notary, and file them with the court. Depending on the online service used, some companies will offer to submit the documents for you.
Reputable websites only provide current, official court forms and fill them out with great care to ensure that your documents are accepted on the first try with no delays.
Online divorce websites do not act as your attorney
It is important to note that divorce websites are not allowed to give legal advice and do not act as your attorney. Instead, they act as a channel that enables you to pass on your divorce papers to the courts for processing. What they do is simple; they perform divorce document preparation and assist you with submitting your documents to the right authorities — nothing more.
How to get an Online Divorce in Utah State – Steps to take
If you live in Utah, and you are looking to avoid the waiting period of going through the traditional process, online divorce is your best option. Below are the steps to get a divorce online.
Step 1 – Decide on the website platform to use
The first thing you need to decide is what site to use — a divorce website or the Utah court site. If you use the court’s website, you will have to prepare the forms yourself, which may be cumbersome. Divorce websites, on the other hand, will select and prepare the paperwork on their platform. All you need to do is to complete a questionnaire to provide the relevant details for your case.
When choosing an online platform for your divorce document preparation, you want to go with a site you can trust. Check reviews of past users and select a company with a long track record of success.
Step 2 – Make sure the divorce is uncontested
Whether you are the petitioner or the respondent, make sure that the divorce is uncontested. Endeavor to settle all issues with your spouse before commencing the proceedings.
All agreed upon terms should be put into writing in the form of a settlement agreement. This agreement will have to be submitted to the court before the final hearing.
Step 3 – Fill out the forms correctly
If you are using an online divorce service, this should not be an issue. So long as you provide accurate information, your documents will be filled out correctly. The site will need vital details such as your name, SSN, home address, date and location of the marriage, date of birth and names of children (if any), assets to be shared, etc. You will also be required to state whether it is a no-fault divorce and the grounds for divorce .
Step 4 – Make payment
To complete the process, you will be asked to pay a fee for documentation and processing. The cost can range from $139 – $500, depending on the service used. After paying, you will receive your completed documents electronically. Additional options may include physical mailing of the paperwork to your house and electronic submission to the court.
Step 5 – File your forms with the court and pay the filing fee
If electronic filing wasn’t available through the online web service, you will have to submit the forms to the court yourself. The online divorce site will provide you with filing instructions, including the proper court to visit to make your submission. Be sure to make two extra copies of each form. When you file, you’ll be asked to pay a filing fee. In Utah, the charge is $318. The court will stamp each copy with a case number officially beginning the process. The originals stay with the court; one copy goes to you. The other copy will have to be served to your spouse.
Step 6 – Make sure your spouse is served
In all divorce cases, the petitioning party is required to serve a copy of the divorce documents to the other party. If your divorce is uncontested and involves a settlement on all issues, your spouse is likely already engaged in the process, so this part should be easy. Some online divorce sites even offer to provide service to your spouse for you. However, this is not always the case, so serving your spouse may require hiring a process server or sheriff.
Step 7 – Include supplementary forms or information to the original document
If there are supplementary forms or information, make sure to include them in the original document you filed.
Step 8 – Receive your divorce decree
If everything is in order, you’ll schedule a final hearing with the court for the judge to go over your documents and issue your divorce decree officially ending your marriage. Utah requires a 30 day mandatory waiting period between the date the petition is filed and the date of the final hearing. The state of Utah does not require that you attend the final hearing.
Conclusion
When using the traditional method, the cost of divorce is quite high, which is why many people in Utah turn to online divorce as an affordable option. Getting your marriage dissolved over the internet is a welcome alternative. Online divorce is faster, cheaper, and grants you more control over your privacy. But before you go online, make sure that yours is an uncontested divorce that will not require the presence of you and your spouse in court.