“Unbundled” Divorce: When It Works, Why It Works, and Whether It's Right for You

When people first call Wysocki Law, they’re often surprised to learn there’s more than one way to get divorced. The word “divorce” can bring up images of courtroom battles and expensive legal fees—but that’s not the only path.

Unbundled services (a term coined by Woody Mosten, a legend in the world of peaceful divorce processes) are for people who don’t need a full-service attorney to do everything for them. They just need some behind-the-scenes help—like reviewing or drafting paperwork, making sure nothing gets missed, and steering clear of hidden legal pitfalls.

So, What Exactly Are Unbundled Services?

Everyone has their own comfort level with doing things themselves. Unbundled services let you stay in the driver’s seat while having an experienced attorney riding shotgun—offering guidance, helping draft clear and complete settlement documents, and keeping you out of court.

The divorce process can be broken down into four main paths:

Unbundled Divorce – For couples who’ve already reached agreement (or are close) and want help putting together the legal documents without hiring a lawyer to negotiate or litigate. It’s streamlined and efficient, but only works if both parties are acting in good faith and the issues aren’t too complex.

Mediation – For those who want to reach agreement but need some help getting there. Not to be confused with litigation-style mediation (which often involves pressure and shuttle negotiation), this is about helping both people reach informed, voluntary agreements. Couples who engage in mediation can be represented by lawyers, or they can engage "unbundled" services to have an attorney on stand-by for advice. After an agreement is reached, the unbundled services lawyer can make sure all details of the agreement are accounted for and that the agreement is drafted correctly into binding, final orders.

Collaborative Divorce – Think of this as mediation with an all-star team. Each party has their own attorney, and mental health and financial professionals help guide the process. It’s a respectful, structured process for families with more complex needs.

Litigation – Sometimes necessary, but rarely ideal. If there’s hiding of assets, threats, bad faith, or refusal to engage, court may be the only option. Like the emergency room: no one wants to go, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you need it.

What to Expect from the Unbundled Route

If you're considering the unbundled approach, here’s what working with us typically looks like:

Consultation: A flat fee for a one hour consultation. This is where we talk through your goals, the law, and how to get from where you are to a final divorce.

Document Prep: Billed at an hourly rate. We help draft your proposed settlement agreement, parenting plan (if needed), and supporting documents. You’ll get a letter you can send to your spouse inviting them to review and sign—or consult a lawyer of their own.

Filing and Finalization: Once everything’s agreed and signed, we handle the court filings for a flat fee. The flat fee includes all court costs (but not outside expenses like QDROs or property appraisals). If something becomes contested along the way, we’ll re-evaluate—we don’t take litigation cases, but will help you figure out next steps.

Is This the “Cheap Divorce” Option?

Not exactly. Working with us usually costs several thousand dollars start to finish. But it’s a fraction of what full-scope representation or litigation can cost. The real value is in what you avoid: court appearances, drawn-out battles, and fear-driven decisions.

And yes, we’ve used this process even in high-asset cases. It only works when both parties are willing and able to collaborate and share financial information honestly. The more complex the assets, the more skill required—so unbundled services aren’t always the right fit. But when they are? It’s a smart, sane way to get divorced.

Who Is This For?

Couples who can work together—or at least communicate respectfully.

Families with relatively simple assets.

Individuals who want legal guidance but don’t need a lawyer to “take over.”

People committed to staying out of court.

Final Thoughts

Unbundled divorce isn’t for everyone. But if it’s a fit, it can be a peaceful, empowering way to bring your marriage to a close. You stay in control. You spend money where it counts. And most importantly, you start your next chapter with clarity and confidence.

Want to learn more about whether unbundled services are right for you? We'd be happy to talk through your situation during a consultation.

*** Thanks to Roy Martin for providing the content for and inspiring this article, and his willingness to share and mentor.***

The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or tax advice. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and may change over time, affecting the accuracy and applicability of the information provided. Always consult with a qualified attorney, accountant, or financial advisor to discuss your specific situation before making any decisions. This post does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the author or their firm.