Divorce often comes with high legal costs and emotional strain, making it inaccessible for many low-income couples. Existing online solutions still cater to middle-income users, leaving a gap for affordable, user-friendly alternatives. A digital platform could simplify the process by guiding users through paperwork, offering legal reviews, and reducing financial barriers.

Streamlining Divorce for Those Who Need It Most

One way to make divorce more accessible is by creating a web-based platform with jurisdiction-specific workflows, automated form-filling, and plain-language instructions. For example, a couple in California could input basic details and receive court-ready documents, with optional attorney reviews at a fraction of traditional costs. The platform could also help users apply for financial aid or connect them with counseling services.

Building Trust and Scaling Impact

A possible first step would be launching a minimal version in one state, partnering with legal aid groups to test demand. Over time, features like e-filing, multilingual support, and mobile access could be added. Courts might benefit from fewer paperwork errors, while attorneys could earn extra income from document reviews. Nonprofits and governments could subsidize costs for those who need it most, aligning with poverty reduction and gender equity goals.

Success would depend on proving that low-income users trust digital solutions, courts accept automated forms, and lawyers are willing to participate at lower rates. Early testing—like a waitlist signup or piloting with a local courthouse—could validate these assumptions before a full-scale rollout.