Q & A on Online Divorce

Q & A on Online Divorce

with Jonna Spilbor

Here are my answers to questions posted by firstwivesworld.com bloggers:

Question: How much quality do the online services ensure? I mean, to go a route that seems so impersonal and not in the least secure seems rather risky.

Answer: This is a very interesting question because I do not believe any online service promises a "quality divorce". What they "promise" to those who seek an uncontested divorce is to save you legal fees. And let's be clear: Most online divorce services simply complete your paperwork based on the information you provide. More often than not, the rest is up to you. When you get right down to it, the "quality" of your divorce when using an online service, is really in your own hands.

Question: Are online divorces recognized Internationally?

Answer: Much the way a rose by any other name is still a rose, an online divorce is still a divorce. Which means if you are validly divorced in the United States, it's likely your divorce will be recognized in another country. Having said that, the best place to look for answers as to whether your U.S. divorce will be recognized internationally, is to check with the country of your concern. By way of example, if you needed to know whether your divorce abroad will be recognized in the states, you can find answers at the U.S. Department of State website here.

Question: I just moved to a new state. Because of residency laws, how long do I have to live there before filing for an online divorce?

Answer: It depends on the state. While each state has its own residency requirements, remember one thing: The residency laws that apply to a "traditional" divorce, also apply to online divorce. For help, click here.