Do you two actually need lawyers?

A company that sells self-serve divorce has an obvious incentive to tell every couple they qualify. So here is the test we actually apply, including the part where we tell some couples to go hire counsel.

Self-serve fits when all of these are true

• You agree on everything — property, debts, support, and (if you have children) custody and parenting time. Not 'mostly agree.' Everything.
• Both of you will sign — the process needs two cooperative signatures, notarized where required.
• Your finances are visible to each other — W-2 incomes, known accounts, no suspicion anyone is hiding anything.
• Nobody is afraid of the other. A divorce with fear in it is not amicable, whatever the paperwork says.

One attorney hour is the right dose when

• There's a house buyout, a pension, or a meaningful income gap — have your own attorney read the agreement before you sign. Flat fee, few hundred dollars.
• One term feels bigger than you can evaluate — an alimony waiver after a long marriage is the classic example.

Full representation is the honest answer when

• You disagree about the children — custody disputes are not paperwork problems.
• There's a restraining order, violence, or intimidation in the marriage.
• A business, complex assets, or suspected hidden money is involved.
• Your spouse has a lawyer and you don't.

The couples in the first list — and New Jersey has tens of thousands of them every year — are the ones paying thousands of dollars for transcription. That's who self-serve exists for.

Clear Parting Docs is not a law firm and this page is general legal information, not legal advice about your situation. For advice you can rely on, talk to a New Jersey attorney — any one you choose.