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Learn Before You Litigate

Before you spend money, file paperwork, hire attorneys, or escalate conflict, take a few minutes to understand your options. This page is designed to help you slow down, get oriented, and choose a calmer starting point.

This is an educational resource page. It includes free guidance, simple explanations, and a short self-assessment quiz to help you think through whether DIY Divorce, coaching, mediation, or a safety-first plan may be the best starting point.

Take the Quick Quiz Visit DIY Divorce Hub Safety Resources

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or local emergency services. If safety is a concern, visit the Help & Safety page before using any divorce planning tools.

Start With One of These

Resolve Your Divorce Overview

See the main paths: DIY, DIY + Coaching, and Full Mediation.

DIY Divorce Hub

Get organized, understand the process, and reduce unnecessary escalation.

Coaching Center

Get one-on-one support when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next.

Full Mediation Path

If both people are willing to talk, mediation may reduce cost, stress, and conflict.

Short Lessons & Concepts

You do not need to become a legal expert. But understanding a few basic concepts can help you avoid costly mistakes and make calmer decisions.

How Mediation Works

What a mediator does, what a mediator does not do, and how decisions are usually made.

Coaching vs. Legal Advice

Coaching supports clarity, communication, organization, and planning. Attorneys provide legal advice and legal representation.

Court Process in Plain English

Petition, response, disclosures, temporary orders, settlement, trial, and judgment explained simply.

High-Conflict & Safety Concerns

When emotional instability, coercive control, intimidation, or safety concerns may require a more protective plan.

If you are in immediate danger or facing serious safety concerns, skip this quiz and go straight to the Help & Safety page or contact emergency services.

Quick Quiz: What Path Might Fit You Best?

This quiz is anonymous and educational. Your answers do not go to the court, your spouse, your partner, or anyone else. It simply helps you think about whether DIY, DIY + Coaching, Mediation, or a safety-first plan may be the best starting point.

1. Can you and your spouse or partner have basic conversations without it turning into a major fight most of the time?

Yes, usually we can. No, it often becomes a major argument.

2. Do you believe both people will share basic financial information if asked?

Yes, I think basic information can be shared. No, I expect information will be hidden, delayed, or blocked.

3. Do you share any big-picture goals, such as keeping children stable, preserving finances, or avoiding unnecessary court conflict?

Yes, we share at least one or two important goals. No, it feels like we are completely opposed.

4. In the last year, have you felt physically afraid, or has there been pushing, hitting, throwing objects, stalking, or serious threats?

Yes, safety has been a concern. No, this has not happened.

5. Does anyone control money, passwords, transportation, documents, or access to children in a way that feels unsafe or very one-sided?

Yes, serious control is an issue. No, this is not a major issue.

6. Do you frequently feel constantly blamed, confused, afraid to bring things up, or pulled into explosive reactions?

Yes, this happens often. No, not in a serious way.

7. How comfortable are you with filling out forms and reading plain-English instructions?

I can handle it with guidance and examples. I get overwhelmed quickly and shut down.

8. How important is it to avoid a long, expensive court fight if there is another safe option?

Very important — I want to avoid unnecessary escalation. I am mostly focused on winning, even if it becomes long and expensive.

This quiz cannot tell you what a judge will do. It is only a tool to help you think about which starting path may be safer and more realistic.

Your quiz result will appear here after you answer all questions and click the button.

Still not sure what to do?

You can start with education, add coaching when you feel stuck, or explore mediation if both people are ready to talk. You do not have to decide everything right now.

Take the quiz again Ask a question