By Divorce Forms Free · Published 2026-08-03 · Updated 2026-08-15 · 5 min read
Filing a divorce without a lawyer: what to know
Pro-se divorce is common and doable when the case is uncontested. Here is what it takes and when to get help.
Filing your own divorce — pro se — is realistic when the case is uncontested and there are no complex assets or a custody dispute. It works because the process is form-driven, and a good structure does the heavy lifting.
When does filing pro se work?
It works when the case is uncontested — both sides agree on the terms, and there is no custody dispute or complex property to divide. The state's forms carry the structure: the marriage facts, the requests, and the filing details.
When should you get a lawyer?
If there is a custody dispute, significant assets, or any disagreement the court must decide, get a lawyer. The forms are the same, but the stakes are higher and the process is longer.
The forms here are structured for the uncontested case you can file yourself. For anything more, take a lawyer.
Related reading
See the free forms this covers: California Divorce Forms, Texas Divorce Forms, or browse all state forms.