A divorce can be obtained without paying a dime even if you are in a tough financial situation.

Divorce can be an expensive endeavor. You can expect to pay several hundred dollars just for the court divorce fees alone, even if you plan to represent yourself. If you do not have money to pay for a divorce, you may wonder how to do it. It is possible to get a cheap divorce without paying any court fees if you are struggling financially.

Indigents Are Exempt from Divorce Fees

Your state may have an indigent divorce or fee waiver procedure that enables you to file for divorce and ask the court to waive all the court fees associated with the divorce process if you have no money. Specially designed for people with limited financial resources, this procedure allows them to end their marriages.

Divorce Forms: Obtaining Them

In order to get the fees waived when you are getting divorced, you must obtain the forms first. Locate your local family court or divorce court online. You can usually download or print forms from their website. Both the form for filing for divorce and the form for asking for a fee waiver need to be obtained. You may also find an instruction booklet that will assist you in the process.

The courthouse clerk can also provide you with the forms. There may be someone who can help you complete the forms if you have questions. Check the requirements for residency in your state. Failure to meet these requirements will prohibit you from filing. Provide all the information requested, including information about the children, assets, debts, date of marriage, and the reason for the divorce. If you are seeking child support, alimony, or property division, you must indicate that in your petition.

The Provision of Financial Evidence

If you are poor, or indigent, you will need to prove that to the court so that your divorce fees can be waived.

You will need to provide proof of your income (including Social Security, child support, disability, and payroll), assets (like bank accounts or cars), and debts (like credit cards, loans, and utility bills). You will also be asked to provide your tax returns.

You will find out exactly what documents the court needs on the forms. The good news is, since you will need to gather this information anyway, since everyone filing for divorce must disclose financial information to the court, so this is not an added step.

File a Fee Waiver Request

The paperwork needs to be filed once the paperwork has been completed. The documents must be notarized. If you have a bank, you can get the forms notarized there or have the clerk notarize them when you file them.

Next Steps

You will receive a court employee’s or a judge’s review of your paperwork after you file. You may have to attend a hearing so the judge can ask you some questions. A fee waiver may be approved or the court may defer the fee, which means you can pay it later. This is typical if your ex has assets and will be paying some to you as part of the divorce settlement.