Honest Comparison · Verified 2026
SimpleDivorce vs. a Divorce Attorney
For an uncontested divorce, a flat fee and guided forms beat an hourly retainer. For a fight, hire the attorney — that's what our referral is for.
| SimpleDivorce | a divorce attorney | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | Flat $399 | $3,000–$15,000+ retainer, billed hourly |
| Timeline | Forms in days; court controls final timing | Weeks to months, varies by caseload |
| Legal advice | No — document preparation only; attorney referral available | Yes — licensed legal representation |
| Best for | Uncontested divorces where both spouses agree | Contested cases, complex assets, custody disputes |
| Who does the work | You answer a questionnaire; we prepare & file | The attorney and their staff |
Rates and claims verified 2026.
The details, verified
Flat fee vs. hourly
SimpleDivorce charges one flat fee for an uncontested divorce, so you know the cost up front. Attorneys typically bill hourly against a retainer, which is well suited to disputes but expensive when there's nothing to fight about.
SimpleDivorce pricing modelWhen a divorce attorney may fit
If your divorce is contested, or you have complex assets, contested custody, or any safety concern, hire an attorney — that's exactly what our free attorney referral service is for.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. SimpleDivorce is a document-preparation and filing-support company, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice. For an uncontested divorce most people don't need a lawyer; for a contested case, you should hire one.
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Flat fee, court-ready paperwork, court filing included — the simple path when you both agree.
All 50 statesFrom $399 flatDocuments in days