Is a DIY Divorce Right for You? How to Avoid Mistakes + Free Checklist
Divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to manage it yourself. You may be thinking, "Can I really do this without a lawyer?" The short answer is: yes — but only if you do it carefully and correctly.
A DIY divorce can save time, reduce costs, and give you more control. But it also comes with risks, like incorrect filings, missed deadlines, or incomplete agreements — that could lead to delays or unfair outcomes.
At AriCleo, we help people like you navigate the divorce process without hiring an attorney, offering professional, affordable legal document preparation services that help you avoid costly mistakes.
In this post, we’ll explore whether a DIY divorce is right for you, the most common pitfalls, and provide a FREE downloadable checklist to help you stay organized and informed.
💡 Is a DIY Divorce Right for You?
DIY divorce is usually a good fit if:
You and your spouse agree on the major terms (assets, custody, support, etc.)
Your case is uncontested
You feel comfortable handling basic court procedures (with support)
You want to avoid high legal fees but still want documents filed properly
But even simple divorces involve paperwork, legal terminology, deadlines, and court requirements. If any part of your divorce is mishandled, the court may reject your case, or worse, enter a judgment that doesn’t reflect your agreement.
That’s why so many people turn to AriCleo for support: we're not attorneys, but we are legal document professionals who make sure your forms are accurate, complete, and ready for court, without the attorney price tag.
🚫 Common Mistakes in DIY Divorce
Here are just a few of the common mistakes we help our clients avoid:
1. Using the Wrong or Outdated Forms
Each state and often each county, has different required documents. Submitting incorrect forms results in case rejection or delays.
2. Incomplete Financial Disclosures
Failing to disclose all assets or debts can harm your settlement and create legal complications down the road.
3. Incorrect Child Support or Custody Details
Parenting plans must comply with state guidelines. A vague or noncompliant plan will likely be rejected.
4. Missed Deadlines or Incorrect Filing
Divorce has strict timelines. Miss a deadline and your case can be delayed or dismissed.
5. Skipping Required Steps (Like Service of Process)
Your spouse must be officially served and it must be documented correctly. Failure to do so can void the process.
🛟 How AriCleo Helps You Get It Right
When you work with AriCleo, you don’t have to guess which forms you need or how to complete them. We help with:
✅ Form preparation and review
✅ Filing support with the right court
✅ Deadline tracking
✅ Proper service of documents
✅ Child support and custody form completion
✅ Fee waiver assistance (if eligible)
You get peace of mind knowing your documents are court ready and compliant all while saving hundreds (or even thousands) in attorney fees.
📋 Your Free DIY Divorce Checklist
Use this checklist to keep your divorce organized and on track. We recommend printing it or saving it digitally and checking off each item as you go.
✅ DIY Divorce Checklist
🔹 BEFORE YOU BEGIN:
Research if your divorce qualifies as uncontested
Confirm residency requirements for your state
Gather personal and financial documents
Pay stubs, tax returns, property deeds, vehicle titles, etc.
Obtain your state’s current divorce forms
🔹 BASIC DOCUMENTS TO COMPLETE:
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Summons
Proof of Service / Waiver of Service
Financial Affidavit / Disclosure
Parenting Plan (if applicable)
Child Support Worksheet (if applicable)
Marital Settlement Agreement
Final Judgment / Decree of Divorce
🔹 COURT FILING CHECKLIST:
File documents with the appropriate county court
Pay filing fees or submit fee waiver request
Serve documents properly and file proof of service
Attend mediation or hearings if required
Submit Final Judgment for judge’s signature
Receive certified copy of your divorce decree
🔹 AFTER DIVORCE:
Change your name (if desired)
Update titles, deeds, and bank accounts
Modify wills, insurance, and beneficiaries
Follow any court-ordered support or visitation terms
🔗 Want this checklist as a downloadable PDF?
👉 Click here to get your free copy
❤️ You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Doing your own divorce doesn’t mean you have to do it by yourself. With AriCleo, you can feel confident that your documents are correct, complete, and ready for court.
We’re not attorneys, so we don’t offer legal advice — but we offer something just as valuable: professional, compassionate help that ensures your divorce doesn’t get delayed or dismissed due to avoidable paperwork errors.
📞 Ready to Take the Next Step?
Let us help you prepare your divorce documents the right way — with support, care, and professionalism.
📍 Serving Florida and beyond
🌐 Visit us at AriCleoDocs.com
📞 Contact us today 561-310-6323
✉️ Prefer email? Reach out at contact@aricleodocs.com
Disclaimer
AriCleo is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal representation, or legal strategy. We assist with the preparation of legal documents at your direction. All work is procedural, administrative, and performed with professional discretion. For legal advice or courtroom advocacy, please consult a licensed attorney.