Comparison
DivorceBuddy vs Traditional Divorce
See why thousands of California couples choose DivorceBuddy over expensive lawyers for their simple uncontested divorce.
Head-to-Head Comparison
DivorceBuddy | Traditional Lawyer | |
|---|---|---|
Cost | $149 + court fees Total: ~$600-800 | $5,000-30,000+ Plus court fees and extras |
Time to Complete | 15 minutes To prepare your documents | 10-20+ hours Meetings, calls, paperwork |
Processing Speed | Instant Documents ready immediately | Days to weeks Waiting for lawyer availability |
Emotional Stress | Minimal Private, no confrontation | High Adversarial by nature |
Control | You decide Work at your own pace | Lawyer-led On their schedule |
Communication | Direct with spouse Encourages cooperation | Through lawyers Often escalates conflict |
The Process Difference
With DivorceBuddy
1
Answer simple questions in a friendly chat2
Review your pre-filled documents3
Download and file with the court4
Follow our step-by-step filing guide5
Get your divorce finalizedWith Traditional Lawyers
1
Research and interview multiple lawyers2
Pay retainer ($3,000-10,000 upfront)3
Schedule and attend multiple meetings4
Wait for lawyer to draft documents5
Review, revise, repeat6
Pay additional hourly fees7
Finally file after weeks/monthsCommon Myths About DIY Divorce
"I need a lawyer for any divorce"For simple, uncontested divorces, California law allows you to represent yourself. DivorceBuddy helps you do it right.
"Online divorce services aren't legitimate"We use the exact same California Judicial Council forms that lawyers use. The court can't tell the difference.
"I'll make mistakes without a lawyer"DivorceBuddy validates every field and prevents common errors. Many rejections come from lawyer-prepared documents too.
"It's too complicated to do myself"Our AI chat translates complex legal requirements into simple questions anyone can answer.
What Our Users Say
"I was quoted $5,000 by a local attorney. With DivorceBuddy, I spent $149 and had my documents ready in 20 minutes. Same forms, fraction of the cost."— Maria S., Los Angeles
The Bottom Line
Same Legal Documents
We use the identical California Judicial Council forms that any lawyer would use.
95% Savings
Keep $10,000+ in your pocket for your fresh start.
No Lawyer Required
For simple cases, you don't need to pay lawyer rates.
Full Support
Step-by-step guidance through filing and beyond.