When You Need a Divorce Lawyer
DivorceBuddy is designed for simple, uncontested divorces. Here's our honest guide to when you should consider hiring an attorney.
We built DivorceBuddy to help couples who agree on their divorce terms save money on legal fees. But we're also committed to being honest: some situations really do require professional legal help.
If your situation matches any of the "red flags" below, we strongly recommend at least consulting with a family law attorney before proceeding on your own.
Red Flags: Consider a Lawyer
These situations often require professional legal guidance:
Domestic Violence or Abuse
If there's a history of physical, emotional, or financial abuse, you need an attorney who can protect your safety and rights. They can help with restraining orders and ensure you're not pressured into an unfair agreement.
Highly Contested Custody
If you and your spouse fundamentally disagree about where your children should live or who should make decisions for them, you need legal representation to protect your parental rights.
Business Ownership
If either spouse owns a business, valuation and division becomes complex. Business assets, goodwill, and future earnings require professional assessment.
Complex Assets
Stock options, RSUs, multiple properties, cryptocurrency, pensions, or significant investments require careful valuation and tax consideration.
Significant Power Imbalance
If one spouse controlled all finances, made all decisions, or you feel unable to advocate for yourself, an attorney can level the playing field.
Hidden Assets Suspected
If you believe your spouse is hiding money, property, or income, an attorney can use legal tools like subpoenas to uncover the truth.
Green Flags: DivorceBuddy Works Great
DivorceBuddy is ideal when:
The Hybrid Approach
You don't have to choose between full representation and going it alone:
Document Review
$300-800Use DivorceBuddy to prepare your forms, then pay an attorney to review them before filing. If the attorney suggests changes, you can edit any field in DivorceBuddy in seconds and regenerate your documents instantly.
One-Time Consultation
$200-500Pay for a single consultation ($200-500) to have an attorney review your situation and give advice. Then use DivorceBuddy for all the paperwork—and easily update anything based on their guidance.
How to Find a Good Divorce Lawyer
Look for Family Law Specialists
Choose an attorney who focuses on family law, not a general practitioner.
Check State Bar Association
Verify they're licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar.
Read Reviews Carefully
Look for reviews from people with similar situations to yours.
Ask About Fees Upfront
Get a clear understanding of retainer, hourly rate, and estimated total cost.
Trust Your Gut
You'll be sharing personal information. Make sure you feel comfortable.
Free & Low-Cost Legal Resources
California Courts Self-Help Center
Free assistance at your local courthouse for people representing themselves.
Legal Aid Societies
Free legal help for low-income individuals. Search for your local legal aid organization.
Lawyer Referral Services
State Bar certified services that can connect you with attorneys, often with reduced-fee consultations.
Our Promise
We're not in the business of talking you out of using DivorceBuddy—it's how we make a living. But we believe in being honest.
If your divorce is simple and uncontested, we can save you thousands of dollars. If it's complex or contentious, spending money on a good lawyer now can save you much more in the long run.
When in doubt, get a consultation. A one-hour meeting with an attorney can give you the clarity you need to decide the best path forward.