📅 2026 Update: Changes in Divorce Laws and Costs

Since the original article was written, there have been important updates in divorce laws and fees across several states. Changes include new income caps for child support and maintenance in New York and updated property laws in Minnesota. You can read the original article for more details on the divorce process.

🗓️ New York State Updates

As of March 1, 2026, New York State has adopted revised forms for matrimonial actions in the Supreme Court. These changes include an increase in the combined income cap under the Child Support Standards Act from $183,000 to $193,000. The income cap for maintenance payors under the Maintenance Guidelines Act has also risen from $228,000 to $241,000.

💵 Current Filing Fees

Filing fees for divorce vary significantly by state. In California, the fee ranges from $435 to $450. In Illinois, fees differ by county, generally costing several hundred dollars.

Maryland also has a filing fee, but individuals may qualify for a fee waiver based on income.

⏳ Processing Times

The processing time for divorces can vary. In Oregon, there is no mandatory waiting period, allowing uncontested cases to proceed quickly. In Washington State, there is a 90-day waiting period after filing before a judge can finalize the divorce. Illinois typically requires a 90-day wait after filing as well.

🏠 Eligibility Rules

In Oregon, either spouse needs to be a current resident to file if the marriage took place in the state. If married elsewhere, at least one spouse must have lived in Oregon for six months prior to filing. In Michigan, either spouse must have lived in the state for at least 180 days before filing.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • New York’s income caps for child support and maintenance have increased.
  • Filing fees vary by state, with California and Illinois having significant costs.
  • Processing times differ, with Oregon allowing quick divorces.
  • Residency rules apply in states like Oregon and Michigan.

💡 Tips for a DIY Divorce Process

Review the details of your situation with your attorney before proceeding.

📄 Understand Your State’s Requirements

Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding divorce. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements in your state to avoid unnecessary delays.

🕒 Keep Track of Deadlines

Be aware of the deadlines for responding if you receive court papers. For example, in Maryland, you have 30 days to respond if served within the state.

💰 Explore Fee Waiver Options

If you're concerned about costs, check if you qualify for a fee waiver. States like California and Maryland may allow individuals to waive filing fees based on income.

📑 Complete Necessary Forms

Ensure all required forms are filled out correctly. In Oregon, for instance, you need to submit a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage to the circuit court.

🔄 Stay Organized

Keep track of all documents and correspondence related to your divorce. This will help streamline the process and ensure nothing is overlooked.

🏆 Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section reviews various services that assist with divorce processes, focusing on document preparation and legal guidance. The list is based on Trustpilot scores as of October 2026. Remember, star ratings are just one aspect; user experiences can vary widely.

🥇 1. Online Divorce

Online Divorce has a Trustpilot score of 3.9. It is known for affordable divorce document preparation and offers step-by-step instructions for users. However, some reviewers note issues with upselling additional services and subscription charges after the first 30 days.

🥈 2. 3StepDivorce

3StepDivorce holds a Trustpilot score of 2.6. Users appreciate the state-specific divorce forms and step-by-step filing procedures. However, there are concerns regarding customer service responsiveness and the accuracy of the provided forms.

🥉 3. CompleteCase

CompleteCase has a Trustpilot score of 4.0. It is recognized for providing affordable legal services through a user-friendly platform. Reviewers have noted that it comes with limited attorney support and subscription fees after 30 days.

4️⃣ Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer enjoys a Trustpilot score of 4.5. This service is known for its comprehensive legal document services and user-friendly interface. However, users have mentioned the challenges of its subscription model and some unexpected charges.

5️⃣ LegalZoom

LegalZoom has a Trustpilot score of 4.6. It offers a wide range of legal services along with dedicated customer support. Some users have reported delays in processing and navigation issues on the website.

🆓 Free Government Assistance

In states like California and Maryland, individuals can apply for fee waivers if they cannot afford filing fees. These options can help ease the financial burden during the divorce process.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Service

  • 📜 Document preparation quality
  • 💬 Customer support responsiveness
  • 📈 Review scores and volume
  • 💰 Pricing structure and hidden fees
  • 🕒 Processing times for documents

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What should I do if my spouse does not respond to the divorce papers?

If your spouse does not respond, you may be able to file for a default judgment. This means the court can finalize the divorce without your spouse's participation.

📋 How can I speed up the divorce process?

To speed up the divorce process, ensure that you and your spouse agree on major issues like property division and child custody. This can help minimize court timelines.

🏡 What happens to our property during a divorce?

Property division varies by state. In community property states, all assets acquired during the marriage are typically divided equally. In equitable distribution states, property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally.

🧾 Can I change my mind after filing for divorce?

Yes, you can change your mind after filing, but you will need to officially withdraw the petition in court. This process might require legal documentation.

🕒 Is there a waiting period after filing for divorce?

Yes, many states have a waiting period after filing. For instance, Illinois has a 90-day waiting period before the divorce can be finalized.

📜 What if I cannot afford legal fees for my divorce?

If you cannot afford legal fees, check for fee waiver options in your state or seek assistance from non-profit organizations that offer legal help for low-income individuals.

⚖️ Recent Court Rulings in Divorce Cases

Recent court rulings have shaped divorce laws regarding property division, child custody, and support payments. These rulings can influence how similar cases are handled in the future.

For more insights, you can check recent rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



A Quick Guide to DIY Divorce



 

DIY Divorce


 



Is DIY Divorce Right for Me?



 



 



Dot it yourself divorce may save you and your spouse both time and money.  But, if you and your spouse are not confident you can reach an agreement on a number of different issues, you shouldn’t consider a DIY divorce.  If you try to go through a divorce yourself and find disagreements slowly piling up, you will have lost both time and money. 



 



 



Additionally, you should be confident you can fill out a number of forms correctly and with detail.  Depending on your state and conditions within your marriage, you will need to fill out forms that are either provided for free from your state or within purchased packets.  If you fill out these forms incorrectly, the mistakes will undoubtedly delay your divorce.  



 



 



What Should my Spouse and I Agree Upon?



 



 



A DIY divorce is best for spouses that are in agreement about a quick and easy divorce.  



 



 



Property



 



 



There should be a limited amount of joint marital property, assets, and liabilities.  Many spouses considering a DIY divorce will split their property, open separate accounts, and take on a fair share of the liabilities before even filing for divorce.  



 



 



Spouses must be honest with each other about their assets because if there is any evidence that a spouse is hiding property, the other spouse may decide the DIY divorce isn’t working and pursue a divorce with a lawyer.  



 



 



Children



 



 



If there are children involved, the parents should agree upon child custody, child support, as well as any insurance for the children.  Parents must agree about picking children up from school events, extracurricular events, and social events.  Additionally, the parents must agree on times and places to pick up the children from the other spouse.  



 



 



There must be absolutely no evidence of child abuse within the home if parents are pursuing a DIY divorce, for if a judge investigates and finds there was child abuse at one point, he or she will immediately declare the two spouses hire attorneys and even put a restraining order against the abusive parent.  



 



 



Spousal Support



 



 



Spousal support is not usually an issue during a DIY divorce.  Both spouse generally agree to split the property and assets and then support themselves except for child support.  However, if there is spousal support involved in the divorce, the two spouses should have a reasonable plan that a judge will look over and agree upon.  Both spouses need to reach a “fair and reasonable” settlement within a DIY divorce in order for a judge to sign the dissolution of marriage decree.  



 



 



What Form do I need for a DIY Divorce?



 



 



As mentioned above, you’ll need to check with your state and see if the Judicial Branch offers free documents.  Some states, like Arizona, make people fill out a form, pay a fee for each document, and take the form to the County Clerk.  Other states offer comprehensive free forms to the public.  If you are considering a DIY divorce, you’ll need the following forms plus any forms your state’s Judicial department requires:



 



 



• Petition and Summons



 



 



• Responses



 



 



• Financial Affidavit 



 



 



• Child Support and Child Custody Guidelines



 



 



• Permission for Case to Move to Trial