When Shouldn’t You Use an Online Divorce Platform?

The honest answer to when you should not use an online divorce platform is more useful than most divorce companies want to admit. Online divorce works extraordinarily well for many couples and is genuinely the wrong tool for others. Knowing which side you fall on before you start saves time, money, and the frustration of getting most of the way through a process that was never going to work for your situation.

For a baseline understanding of what divorce actually requires under the law, the Cornell Law School overview of divorce covers the legal requirements and the difference between contested and uncontested cases.

When Online Divorce Is Not the Right Fit

Online divorce platforms like SimpleEnding are built for uncontested cases where both spouses agree on the major terms. The platform is not a substitute for legal advocacy. If your case involves significant disputes that need to be resolved by a judge or that require an attorney’s expertise, a flat-fee platform is the wrong tool, no matter how appealing the price is.

Domestic Violence or Abuse

If you are in a situation involving physical, emotional, or financial abuse, you need an attorney and likely a protective order, not an online platform. Abuse cases require expert handling, careful documentation, and protective measures that flat-fee divorce services are not designed to provide. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) can help you plan a safe path forward.

Hidden Assets or Complex Finances

If you suspect your spouse is hiding income, business interests, retirement accounts, or investments, an online platform cannot help you find or recover them. Forensic accountants and family law attorneys exist for this exact purpose. Trying to handle a complex financial picture through a flat-fee platform usually results in significant money left on the table that the other spouse keeps. Even if you have to spend more on legal help up front, the recovery often pays for itself many times over.

High-Conflict Custody Disputes

If you and your co-parent fundamentally disagree on custody and one or both of you is willing to fight in court, an online platform is not the right path. Contested custody requires court hearings, witnesses, sometimes a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s interests, and an attorney who can advocate strongly in the courtroom. Online platforms are not built for that kind of advocacy.

Significant Wealth or Business Ownership

If you or your spouse owns a business, holds significant investment assets, or has high net worth, you need specialized legal help. Business valuations, complex asset division, tax planning around the divorce, and protecting future income all require expertise beyond what an online platform provides. The cost of getting this wrong can dwarf the cost of hiring an experienced family law attorney.

Addiction Issues That Affect Safety

If one spouse has untreated addiction issues that affect parenting safety or financial stability, the case usually needs an attorney. There may be supervised visitation issues, asset protection concerns, or substance testing requirements that require court oversight. Online platforms are not equipped to handle these protective measures.

When SimpleEnding Works Beautifully

SimpleEnding works extraordinarily well for couples who agree on the major terms, can communicate civilly, have a relatively straightforward financial picture, and want a faster, less expensive path forward. For these couples, we deliver the same court-ready paperwork that attorneys would produce, at a fraction of the cost. For related reading, see our pieces on whether online divorce is right for you and the advantages of an online divorce.

Andrea Willie

Andrea Willie, originally from Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain, began her academic journey studying law at Universidad de La Laguna. In 2017, she moved to Utah to study English at Brigham Young University, where she met her now-husband. Inspired to blend her interests in communication and creativity, Andrea pursued a degree in marketing at Utah Valley University. While studying, she gained hands-on experience working with various companies in Tucson, Arizona, where she and her husband lived for three years. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys spending time with her husband and cat. She also has a passion for movies and reading.

"SimpleEnding is currently available for divorces in the following states: Utah .

SimpleEnding is working on making this service available to the remaining states in the United States of America.”

Matthew Ames

Matthew Ames is from Idaho Falls, and was raised in both Idaho and Utah. He has been interested in creative digital work from a young age. In 2021, Matt started working for SimpleEnding, Moxie Law Group, and CoilLaw doing all things social media, graphics, photography, and video. Matt loves the gym, shoes, and Lego. He’s also a fan of all things Marvel, Star Wars, Pokémon, and anime.

Lianna Manibog

Lianna Jean Manibog is an AI strategist and writer who works at the intersection of emerging technology, communication, and decision-making. Her background spans higher education, business strategy, and applied AI, with a focus on how organizations adapt to rapid technological change without losing clarity or judgment. She has developed frameworks for AI adoption, trained teams on evaluating and using AI outputs, and supported organizations in integrating these tools into their operations in ways that are both effective and responsible.

At Moxie Law, Lianna applies this expertise to strengthen communication, organize information, and serve clients. She develops AI-informed content and knowledge systems that extend beyond traditional marketing, helping firms structure information for clarity, accessibility, and long-term visibility across both search engines and AI-driven platforms. Her approach integrates SEO and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) with a deep understanding of how people seek information and make decisions in high-stakes legal situations, resulting in content that is both strategically positioned and client-centered.

Outside of her professional work, Lianna is a musician and the founder of The Threadwork Collective, a nonprofit focused on community-building through art and education. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner and their three dogs.”

Paul Wyner

Paul Wyner was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended Southern Utah University and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in History Education. Paul went on to receive a Masters in Business Administration from Westminster College. Before working at CoilLaw, Paul worked in Healthcare Administration for several large healthcare companies in Utah.

The aforementioned includes Intermountain Healthcare, University of Utah Healthcare, and Revere Health. When not at work, Paul spends his time doing volunteer work, hanging with his wife and five children, or watching sporting events—specifically the Atlanta Braves and the Green Bay Packers.

Luke A. Shaw

Luke was raised in an Air Force family and spent most of his early years in Spokane, Washington. Luke earned a bachelor’s degree in business management prior to receiving his juris doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law.

Luke was admitted into the Arizona State Bar in 2013. Shortly thereafter, in 2015, Luke joined the Utah State Bar and joined CoilLaw. He committed himself to zealously advocating and working diligently to obtain favorable outcomes for his clients. In 2022 he stepped away from active litigation and moved to Texas where he was admitted to practice law and assists Jill in developing SimpleEnding and CoilLaw.

Luke is married and has two energetic boys. When he’s not advocating for clients or working on SimpleEnding he enjoys spending time with his family, watching a good show, watching Michigan State University athletics, and travelling.

Jill L. Coil

Jill L. Coil was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University and she graduated with honors. Jill went on to attend Texas Southern University, where she met her husband, and received her Juris Doctorate. Jill founded CoilLaw in December 2014, and focused on Family and Criminal Law. CoilLaw began as a Utah company but has recently expanded into Texas. Although Jill now resides in Texas, Jill is a licensed attorney in both Utah, and Texas. Jill founded CoilLaw with a mission to empathize, protect, and advocate for families through high-quality legal representation.

Through hard work, determination, and perseverance, Jill has earned many awards and a reputation for fiercely advocating for her clients and their rights. Jill is a firm believer in giving back to the community through volunteer work. She’s an active participant in the Family Bar Section in both Utah and Texas. Jill is the mother of four children and, when she’s not fighting for the rights of her clients, she loves to watch movies, and visit Disneyland.

Cameron Jolley

Cameron is a man of many talents and passions. He is a marketing and communications professional, and a dedicated community member. He is also a loving father and an avid thrill-seeker. Cameron is an individual who is always striving to learn and grow.

Cameron grew up in Spanish Fork, Utah, where he developed a strong sense of community and a love for the outdoors. Cameron is passionate about using his skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world. He is a strong advocate for equality and opportunity, and he supports organizations that are working to create a better future for all people. Cameron is also actively involved in his community, where he volunteers his time and expertise to various causes.

In his free time, Cameron enjoys spending time with his daughter and pursuing his many hobbies. He is an avid fisherman, traveler, and motorcyclist.