Get a divorce with no money (and no lawyer)? It sounds impossible, but it’s not. Here’s how to navigate a split without it draining your bank account.
How can you get a divorce with no money and no lawyer? It sounds impossible, but it’s not. Every day, people navigate divorce without a big legal budget (or any budget). You don’t need to drain your savings or give up your rights just because you can’t afford traditional representation.
As a divorce attorney and co-founder of Hello Divorce, I’ve helped thousands of people find a path forward, whether they had a lawyer or not. Here’s how to get a divorce with no money (and no lawyer)—without putting your future at risk.
Start with Free Tools (Even if They’re Clunky)
Most states offer free legal information online—and yes, it’s often hard to find and not super intuitive. But if you’re truly on your own, this is still a good place to start. You can usually download divorce forms or complete them online through your state’s self-help portal.
You’ll need to know which documents to file (usually a Petition and Summons), how to serve them properly, and how to respond if your spouse files first. It’s not easy, but it’s doable with patience and persistence.
You should also know that court filing fees are the only necessary cost to file for divorce, but you might not have to pay them. Most states offer fee waivers if your income is low enough. You’ll need to fill out a simple form and submit proof of income, but it can save you hundreds of dollars upfront.
Use Affordable Tools That Minimize (or Replace) Lawyers
You don’t need full legal representation to move forward. Today, there are tools that combine technology with expert support to help you manage the legal and logistical parts of divorce, without the high cost.
You can:
- Complete and file paperwork online with guidance
- Get targeted legal or financial advice when you need it
- Follow a clear plan to stay organized and informed throughout the process
At Hello Divorce, we’ve designed resources that balance legal accuracy with human support, so you’re not left figuring it out alone. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just need help with a few key steps, there are ways to get through divorce that don’t require a lawyer on retainer.
Plan Your Financial Survival During Divorce
If you’re looking for tips on how to get divorced with no money, odds are, you’re feeling financially stretched. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to alleviate some of the stress.
First, know that you can still use marital funds for things like housing, groceries, or childcare—especially if you’re the lower-earning spouse.
Second, open a separate bank account in your name, if you can. It’s not about hiding money—it’s about protecting access to the resources you need. And no, you’re not required to have a job or income to file for divorce.
Also, if you’re co-parenting, you’ll eventually need a parenting plan. Starting early with a co-parenting worksheet can help you stay organized and prepare for conversations about custody and visitation.
Focus on Agreements That Matter Most
When money is tight, every legal hour counts. The more you and your spouse can agree on outside of court, the faster (and cheaper) your divorce will go. Focus first on:
- Parenting schedules
- Division of debt and property
- Spousal or child support
If you can put those agreements in writing and file them with the court, you’ll save yourself from drawn-out hearings and unnecessary stress. And don’t wait for your spouse to act first—start outlining your terms and goals now, separating the must-haves and nice-to-haves (to bargain with).
If you hit a wall, consider free or low-cost mediation through your court or local legal aid organization.
Bring in Targeted Help Where It Matters Most
Even if you can’t afford a lawyer for everything, you can bring in experts for one-off support.
- A financial expert or Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) can help you divide assets or avoid tax mistakes
- A real estate expert can guide you through options if you’re dealing with a shared home
- Some courts offer free consultations with volunteer attorneys—take them!
And if you’re worried your spouse might be hiding assets, start with this asset concealment guide. It can help you identify red flags before you get taken advantage of.
Let Go of the Shame—and Move Forward Anyway
There’s no shame in not being able to afford a lawyer. Divorce is expensive, stressful, and overwhelming—and the system isn’t designed for accessibility. But your financial situation doesn’t define you.
If you’re feeling stuck, this guide to healing from divorce shame can help you reframe the way you think about this experience. You’re not doing it “wrong.” You’re surviving—and that’s a success.
The Bottom Line
Wondering how to get divorced with no money (and no lawyer)? Here’s the truth: you can. It might take longer, it might require more patience—but it’s possible.
Start with free court resources. Use smart, affordable legal tools. Get help where it counts. And most importantly, don’t let fear or shame convince you that you’re stuck.
You deserve a future that isn’t dictated by your past—or your bank balance.
Need help now? Visit HelloDivorce.com to explore cost-effective plans, self-guided tools, and real support from people who get it.
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