Beware Of Online Divorce Services!

Patti Johnson • October 1, 2025

Why low-cost digital solutions often create bigger problems in California divorces

While online divorce services in California are thought to be a convenient and cost-effective option for uncontested divorces, they have several significant drawbacks, particularly in more complex cases. 


Of course, I must clarify that I am coming from a one-sided point of view. So many people have contacted me after the fact to complete their divorce because it has gone nowhere. These services often lack the personal guidance and legal expertise needed to navigate issues such as child custody, spousal support, or Retirements Plans. Additionally, there's a big risk of errors in paperwork resulting in your documents being rejected with limited recourse. 


While online divorce services promise convenience and cost savings, it's important to weigh these advantages against potential risks. Not every situation is best served with a digital solution, especially when the stakes are high or circumstances are complicated.


Another issue is that Users may encounter technical difficulties, or the platform may not be user-friendly, adding to more stress and frustration. 


Divorce City has been around for over a decade with twenty years of experience to back it up. In the beginning, I was advised by an expert in search engine optimization (SEO) to offer online divorces at a low-cost to keep up with the ever-increasing competition. I did not heed his advice and still hold that the online services have a high risk of failure in completing the divorce process, with noted exceptions. This is a harsh truth, but the response I received from the SEO guy was, "who cares, you already have their money". This is not the kind of business I want to offer to the public for any price. Customer service has always been my highest priority, and I do not want to surrender my conscience to the world of high-tech. 


What the Public Does Not Know. It's harder than it looks. I understand from your point of view; you and your spouse are in total agreement so it should be easy. Consider for a minute, every County has its own set of local court rules and local court forms. In addition, many of the branches within the same County have their own quirks that would be accepted in one branch and rejected in another. And I am just speaking about Kern County, California. So, it makes it almost impossible for an arm's length, online discount divorce service to prepare your documents accurately. Therefore, your documents get rejected repeatedly. 


My customers who have brought online documents to my office, the documents did not even have the correct courthouse information in the caption. A complete waste of money. Ask yourself, what is my recourse? Very little, your money is gone, and you're stuck with documents that just get tossed in the trash. My point is that online services may not be significantly less expensive when taking into consideration all the problems that can and will develop given the lack of personal legal assistance.

Errors in paperwork, incorrect information, or filing in the wrong jurisdiction can cause delays or even dismissal of the case. 


In many instances, what appears to be a straightforward, amicable split can quickly become tangled in legal uncertainties or unexpected disputes. The absence of a knowledgeable person can mean critical issues are overlooked, leaving parties unprepared for the complexities that often arise in mid-process. Even if both individuals begin in agreement, shifting circumstances or misunderstandings may turn an uncontested matter into a contested one, further complicating the legal proceedings.


Divorce can be emotionally challenging, and the lack of professional support can exacerbate the stress. Divorce City is there to help you through this most difficult process. There is no charge for a telephone consultation. Find out if we can help you. 


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