Review Summary: 3StepDivorce.com is highly regarded as the best online divorce option you can choose. Overall, they are a legitimate business and you will find their website to be very easy to use, affordable and your divorce documents can be completed quickly.
Additionally, their customer service is best in class and you will have access to additional value-added services such as their “divorce negotiation platform” which is extremely helpful for divorcing spouses. We did a full review of their service below for your convenience.
Our Rating: (4.8/5.0 Great)
Our Rankings: 3StepDivorce.com comes in #1 out of 10 and is our “Best Online Divorce Service” in our rankings. Check out 3StepDivorce now >>.
People always think that divorce is a long, drawn-out and painful experience. Typically that’s true, but 3StepDivorce is one way to make the process much more quick and simple.
This incredible site is an online do-it-yourself solution to divorce. If you and your spouse agree to the terms of your divorce without any conflicts, you can use 3StepDivorce, this includes if you have children or not.
By asking you questions about your state of residence and marriage, 3StepDivorce fills out the correct paperwork for you that is required by your state and ensures it follows all the local county guidelines.
After completing the paperwork online, you can print the documents and file them at your local courthouse. Instead of forking over thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars for a lawyer, you can take control of your divorce with 3StepDivorce.
What is 3StepDivorce?
3StepDivorce is the original online divorce website that helps you complete your paperwork in as little as an hour or less. It’s more much more affordable than hiring a lawyer and only takes three steps, as they cleverly have shown in its name.
This site is a company related to Divorce Source, which has been helping people with online divorces since 1997. In more than 20 years of business, both 3StepDivorce and Divorce Source have helped more than 10 million people.
For couples who mutually agree that their marriage is over and have decided what the terms will be, 3StepDivorce takes all the pain out of the process. 3StepDivorce isn’t a lawyer so you can’t negotiate for anything additional if you disagree on the terms, but if you and your spouse agree on how to divide your assets and other terms, the divorce can go smoothly.
3StepDivorce prides itself on being simple, affordable, and fast. You fill in the questions the website asks and it fills out the paperwork for you, correctly. You only have to pay once to get the paperwork with as many edits as you need to get it right and finalized.
The entire process is fast because you do it on your own, without needing to find a lawyer, wait for availability, go back and forth with phone calls and emails, or visit a law office. You use your computer and printer or have the completed forms mailed to you at no additional cost.
Who Is Eligible To Use 3StepDivorce?
Any couple who wants to go forward with an uncontested divorce can use 3StepDivorce. It doesn’t matter if you have children or not; the program will ask you about custody issues, debt, and other issues that people commonly think will trip up an online divorce.
If you can’t find your spouse or if they don’t agree to the terms of the divorce, unfortunately, you won’t be able to use 3StepDivorce. You must have an uncontested divorce and be able to locate your spouse to sign the papers to use this service.
Requirements
3StepDivorce is a good fit if:
The location of both spouses is known
You and your spouse don't have a lot of assets or you 100% agree on the division of the assets
You and your spouse agree on co-parenting terms (or you don't have children)
You and your spouse are not arguing and both want an amicable divorce, or a mediator is involved and you need to complete your own divorce papers.
Keep in mind, it costs an average of $15,000 in attorney fees if you file for divorce with an attorney. So it is financially a good option to use an online divorce service such as 3StepDivorce, which is our #1 choice of online divorce companies.
Before you pay for 3StepDivorce, you’ll answer a few questions to make sure you qualify for their online service. If your spouse isn’t contesting the divorce and is willing to sign the completed paperwork, you’ll be able to move ahead with the process.
The questions continue once you purchase 3StepDivorce, except it uses your answers to fill out the paperwork. Then you can print the paperwork and file it with your local courthouse.
3StepDivorce has instructions to help you every step of the way and has real people you can contact for support. While you can complete the entire process in less than an hour, you can work at your own pace to complete your divorce and take as much time as you need.
Here is how 3StepDivorce.com’s process works.
Step 1: Determine your eligibility and create an account.
Based on your responses, 3StepDivorce will determine your eligibility.
Step 2: Complete the online interview.
Be prepared to answer questions related to:
Marriage
Children
Marital residence
Assets and debts
Income and expenses
Step 3: Print your completed forms & instructions for filing with your local divorce court.
Instantly, you will get access to all of your completed divorce forms for review and if anything is not correct, you can easily make any changes. 3 Step Divorce includes straightforward instructions for filing your divorce forms in your local jurisdiction.
What’s Included – Features and Functionality
You’ll be able to fill out the appropriate state-required divorce forms and make any changes as you see fit. 3StepDivorce walks you through the filing services so you know what to do. You’ll also have access to an online divorce negotiation center and a personal organizer to stay on track, which can be very helpful for divorcing spouses.
The program even includes name change forms for the wife to go back to her maiden name if she chooses to do so. This process can take a lot of work, so including some helpful shortcuts is beneficial.
Keep in mind, 3StepDivorce can’t give you any legal advice, but they do give you access to professional directories to help you find a lawyer if needed. You’ll also get access to free books and manuals to help you through the divorce.
If you’re not sure that you want to file for divorce yet, you can use 3StepDivorce to sign a Separation Agreement. Some states also require this to prove that you and your spouse have been apart long enough to qualify for a divorce
Even if your state doesn’t call for this separation agreement, it can help protect you and your finances while you go through the divorce process. 3StepDivorce creates this document for you for an additional $39.
Easy to Use?
After qualifying for the 3StepDivorce service, you’ll start answering the questions the software uses to fill out your paperwork. These questions have been tested and developed to be simple to understand, with no legal jargon to trip you up.
The website itself is easy to navigate. You don’t have to worry about clicking on one wrong thing and having to start the process over from scratch. While it’s possible to answer the questions in less than an hour, you can save and come back to finish it later.
Once you complete the paperwork, look it over, and make any necessary edits, you’re done. You can print the paperwork and sign it. If you don’t have a printer, you can have a copy mailed to you for no additional fee.
At this point, you’ll have to go to your local courthouse in person; you can’t do it all online. But 3StepDivorce has instructions on what you need to do after signing the paperwork, so you’ll still have help with this part of the process.
Editing Capabilities
When you use 3StepDivorce, you’re able to edit your forms any time. You’ll see the changes right after you make them, and you won’t incur an additional charge. Unlike having to contact your lawyer, request the changes, pay for the time, and wait several days for the results, 3StepDivorce does it all immediately.
Customer Support
When you call customer support, you’ll reach a real person on the phone. While 3StepDivorce isn’t a law firm and can’t give you legal advice, getting hands-on help from someone who understands the software can be beneficial.
Guarantee
3StepDivorce has a 100% money-back guarantee. This means you can complete the paperwork and, if the court doesn’t accept it for some reason, you’ll get your money back from 3StepDivorce. Unlike other online divorce services, 3StepDivorce has a reputation for honoring this guarantee to it's customers.
What States Are 3StepDivorce Available In?
With 3StepDivorce, you can file for divorce in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The site has state-specific information for all users, so you don’t have to search for information that applies to your state's situation.
Pro Tip: Remember that these services are only available if the divorce is uncontested. If both parties agree on the divorce terms, you can use 3StepDivorce.
Filling out the actual forms can take you less than an hour. Once you order 3StepDivorce, you’ll answer questions about where you live and the status of your divorce. The program uses this information to fill in the divorce form for you.
After answering all of the questions, you’ll get a chance to see the paperwork. You can then edit any information if needed. You print the documents or, if you don’t have a printer, can have them mailed to you with no additional charge.
You and your spouse sign the completed forms and take them to the courthouse to file them. In most states, it takes 30 to 90 days after filing the paperwork for the court to finalize the divorce.
This can differ according to state and their backlog, but 3StepDivorce has access to state law websites so you can verify the time limit. Additionally, some states have waiting periods for separated couples until they can finalize the divorce.
Time until completion can also vary according to the courthouse’s caseload. Extenuating circumstances, like the pandemic, can also cause courts to back up. Divorces can get put on hold even after you’ve signed the paperwork.
How Much Does 3StepDivorce Cost?
3StepDivorce has a flat rate of $299 for the entire process. You can break this fee down into 2, 3 or even 4 monthly installments, giving you options depending on how you prefer to pay for the service based on your financial situation. It's important to note that paying for the service over several months doesn’t delay the divorce process.
If you want to pay the full amount upfront the cost is a $299 flat fee, but this can also be broken down into installments to fit your budget. This is a nice option that allows you to get started for as little as $84/month! Below are the installment options:
Two monthly payments of $157
Three monthly payments of $109
Four monthly payments of $84
If you’re on your toes, you can save money using 3StepDivorce, they give customers a $50 SameDayFiling rebate. If you file your paperwork with the court within one business day of creating your 3StepDivorce account, you can apply for the rebate.
Since you can complete the 3StepDivorce paperwork in as little as one hour, it’s entirely possible to start the process one morning and file it the same day or the next day without racing the clock. This rebate would lower your cost to $249, and you can use that to pay for the court filing costs. It’s a nice benefit!
Pro Tip: You still have to pay the court filing fees for your local jurisdiction, These filing fees will cost you an additional $100 to $400 depending on where you are filing for divorce.
Keep in mind, there are other online divorce services out there that are cheaper but the overall user experience, customer service, and included features do not stack up to what 3 Step Divorce will give you.
Is 3StepDivorce Legitimate?
Yes. 3StepDivorce is one of the sister companies of Divorce Source, which started in 1997 and has a stellar reputation. 3StepDivorce is transparent about what they charge and what they offer, so you start the process knowing exactly what you’ll get.
The fact that they have a 100% money-back guarantee also helps prove their legitimacy. This isn’t some fly-by-night website that will take your money and leave you stranded with no divorce help.
Even though 3StepDivorce doesn’t employ any lawyers, they do provide instructions and resources to help you through the divorce process, name-change paperwork, and custody agreements.
3StepDivorce Reviews Online
There are plenty of reviews of 3StepDivorce online if you want to take the time to learn more about the positive experiences people have had working with the company.
Trustpilot
On Trustpilot, more than 1,600 people have reviewed their experience with 3StepDivorce, giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The most common phrase used in any review is that the process was much easier than expected. Reviewers also commented on how much money they saved compared to having to hire a lawyer.
Many reviews mention how simple it was to answer the questions since they’re not bogged down with legal jargon. One user said the whole process only took 30 minutes and he completed it on his iPhone.
Users who contacted customer support expressed how happy they were with the people who helped them. They said customer support was professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. When compared to legal sites that offer many services, 3StepDivorce only focuses on divorce so their employees have answers to all related questions.
Less than 5% of the reviews are one or two stars. Those reviews frequently mention that they had to make multiple trips to the courthouse to finalize the divorce. However, 3StepDivorce makes it clear that you have to file the paperwork on your own and will pay an additional fee to the government.
BBB
While the parent company of 3StepDivorce, Divorce Source, isn’t accredited by the BBB, it has an A rating overall from people who have used the service. But only 1 person has posted a review on the BBB's profile. This is probably because most people don't associate the name Divorce Source with 3StepDivorce, so it's best to look at what is reviewed on their TrustPilot profile.
Pros and Cons of 3StepDivorce
As with any online product, there are pros and cons of 3StepDivorce. Check out the major points so you know if this program is right for you.
Pros
One flat fee that you can pay in installments
Questions are easy to understand without using legal jargon
Fills in the paperwork for you
Can edit any information without having to pay additional fees
Get instructions about filing in your local courthouse
Talk to real people on the phone for customer support
Free online divorce negotiation center
Extensive resource library, including 40+ self help books
Cons
You can’t do everything online, so you’ll have to file the paperwork in person at your local courthouse (same for all online divorce services)
3StepDivorce doesn’t employ lawyers, so you might still need to seek legal help in extenuating circumstances
3StepDivorce is ranked as our best online divorce solution, but if you want to check out a few other good online divorce options, below are 2 that could be worth considering.
CompleteCase.com
CompleteCase.com is another one of the better online divorce options you can choose, it is not the cheapest or the best overall in our rankings but still a solid choice. They boast that they have over 700,000 customers in the last 20+ years of being in business.
While they do have some mixed reviews online, these should be read and evaluated by you before making a final decision. We did a review of CompleteCase's service here for your convenience.
ItsOverEasy.com
ItsOverEasy.com is positioning itself as a premium online divorce service for those that want more hands-off options.
Because of the premium “white-glove” service they offer, they also have a premium price tag. Keep in mind, the cost is still far below what using a divorce attorney would cost. We reviewed ItsOverEasy.com's service here for you to check out.
Pro Tip: We did a full ranking and review of all the best online divorce services that are available today. If you are considering using this type of service for your uncontested divorce, please check out these reviews to make an informed decision before you make a purchase.
The most obvious alternative to 3StepDivorce is to get a family attorney or divorce lawyer.
If you are having any disagreements about your divorce with your spouse, it is best to get an attorney to ensure both parties are represented correctly.
Another alternative to 3StepDivorce is to go to your state’s court systems website and download and fill out the forms without the use of an online divorce service. However, this option can be cumbersome and you are on your own because they will not have customer service or provide any assistance.
Learning about 3StepDivorce gives you a lot of foundational information that helps you understand the process. But such a broad overview might mean you still have lingering questions about this service.
How Do I File My Documents?
After you complete your forms with 3StepDivorce, you’ll have immediate access to them. You can print them or request a copy through the mail at no extra cost. At that point, you’ll file the paperwork at your local courthouse.
Each county courthouse has its procedure for divorce paperwork, what you need to do when you turn it in, how much you pay the government, and how long it takes them to finalize it. 3StepDivorce has step-by-step instructions for you based on the information you gave for the paperwork.
How Quickly Will I Get My Forms?
As soon as you input all of the information, you’ll have access to your forms. You can review them digitally, and if you have a printer, you can print hard copies immediately. If you don’t have a printer, you can have them mailed to you for free via Priority Mail.
The only waiting period you’ll have will be what your local court requires. Sometimes processing divorce papers can take a while. Some states have mandatory waiting periods. No matter what your municipality declares, you’ll at least cut down on the time by using 3StepDivorce.
How Long Can I Access My Account?
You have unlimited access to your account without having to pay monthly storage fees.
Is the 3StepDivorce Website Secure?
Yes. 3StepDivorce protects its website through Digicert, which is the top company in digital security. Any information you input on the website stays secure until you file it with the county clerk.
Using 3StepDivorce is as secure as online banking. The site encrypts all of your personal information, including your name, address, and credit card number.
3StepDivorce also uses McAfee to protect the site from hackers. They use third-party systems to check their protections against data breaches.
Your information is password protected and only accessible to you or anyone you share your password with. The company doesn’t release any of your data to third parties, so your information is secure and you won’t open yourself up to copious amounts of spam mail.
What if I Don’t Have Answers to All the Questions Asked on the Questionnaire?
While 3StepDivorce boasts that you can complete your paperwork in an hour, you don’t have to do that. You can work according to your schedule, so if you don’t have an answer, come back to it later.
Do I Have to Answer All the Questions?
Yes. Every question the program asks is something that’s on the divorce paperwork. You can check your progress when you click the “Question Summary” button. It will show you how many questions you need to answer.
What if My Spouse and I Can’t Agree on How to Answer a Question?
That depends. If the divorce remains uncontested, this will become problematic. If you can’t agree on something like property distribution or child custody, then 3StepDivorce isn’t going to work for you.
Take the time to make sure you and your spouse are entirely on the same page before you start answering questions and filling out paperwork.
However, 3StepDivorce also has a divorce negotiation platform. This is a unique feature for divorcing couples that try to facilitate getting spouses to agreement so they can move forward with their online divorce and is well worth using if it’s necessary for you.
How Can I Review My Documents?
Once you answer all of the questions, you can access your documents on the website. The pencil icon lets you view documents and make any necessary changes. The PDF button lets you see the documents and print them.
How Do I Contact 3StepDivorce if I Have Questions?
If you have a question or problem, you can contact 3StepDivorce via email 24/7. They also have a toll-free number you can call if you want to talk to a person and get immediate answers to your questions.
Website:
https://www.3stepdivorce.com/support.shtml
Phone:
(888) 665-6782
Mon.- Fri. 8am to 5pm PT.
Fax:
1.617.340.8350
Address:
3StepDivorce
6801 Koll Center Parkway, 3rd Floor
Pleasanton, CA, 94566
Final Notes
3StepDivorce is consistently ranked as the best online divorce program and we agree. In addition to a relatively low fee and no hidden charges, they offer a lot of benefits. Being able to manage custody and change your name with the same software are major perks.
The company has an established reputation and a fair money-back guarantee. That, along with their library of divorce resources, makes the process of filing for divorce as pain-free as it could be.
Not having to pay for a lawyer or understand legal jargon also make this site skyrocket to the top of the list. The website is easy to navigate and whether you finish in less than an hour or work at your own pace, you’ll have access to your documents whenever you need them.
Lauren Cook-McKay is the Vice President of Marketing at DivorceAnswers.com. She holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from the University of San Diego and applies her training in private practice to helping couples struggling in their marriage. She believes there is hope in all marriages and strives to provide therapy to couples that will lead them back towards a loving marriage, or an amicable divorce that brings peace and closure.
