The Dark Side Of e-Filing From Home Using Guide & File

Filing for divorce can be a daunting and stressful process, especially when faced with the many options available today. One of the more popular choices for those looking to save money and handle paperwork independently is the “Guide & File” system, an online tool provided by some courts to help individuals file divorce documents from home. While this might sound like a convenient and cost-effective solution, there are significant drawbacks that many people don’t realize until it’s too late.

As someone deeply involved in divorce cases in Los Angeles and with over a decade of experience and thousands of videos helping clients navigate this complex journey, I want to shed light on the hidden pitfalls of using Guide & File. This article will explain why you should think twice before choosing this path, especially when it comes to sensitive personal information becoming public record and the unnecessary complications it can cause down the road.

What is Guide & File?

Guide & File is essentially an online service that courts offer, allowing individuals to complete divorce paperwork by answering a series of questions online. It’s similar in concept to LegalZoom and other online legal form providers. The system then generates the necessary forms based on your answers and enables you to electronically file those forms directly with the court.

At first glance, this sounds like a great solution—simple, quick, and affordable. You can fill out the forms at home, skip lawyer fees, and get the ball rolling with your divorce without leaving your couch. However, the devil is in the details.

The Problem with Property Declarations (FL-160)

One of the biggest issues with Guide & File is that it requires you to file property declarations, specifically the FL-160 form, which lists all your assets and debts in detail. This includes everything from bank accounts, credit cards, and retirement accounts to vehicles and real estate. More importantly, it asks for very specific information such as account numbers, balances, vehicle year, make, model, and even license plate numbers.

Why is this a problem? Because all of this information becomes part of the public court record. In other words, anyone who knows you are going through a divorce can request copies of these documents from the court for a small fee and gain access to your most private financial details.

I can’t stress enough how many people have reached out to me after watching my videos, telling me they almost filed on their own using Guide & File but got scared off when they realized the extent of information they’d have to disclose publicly. It’s not just the embarrassment of revealing your financial situation to the world—it’s a serious privacy and security risk.

Privacy Risks

• Account numbers and balances visible to anyone who requests court records
• Detailed listing of all assets, debts, and personal property
• Potential for misuse of sensitive financial information

Imagine someone who knows you are divorcing ordering copies of your filings and learning exactly how much money you have in your 401(k), what credit cards you use, and your vehicle details. This is information that could be exploited if it falls into the wrong hands.

Complications Down the Road

Another issue is that the property declarations you file at the beginning of a divorce case may become outdated by the time your divorce is finalized, which can be years later. Assets and debts change—cars get sold, accounts are closed, debts are paid off or new ones incurred.

When you’ve already told the court you own or owe something, you can’t just ignore it later. You must update the court and explain what happened to those assets or debts. For example, if you sold a car, you need to disclose who kept the proceeds from the sale. This creates additional paperwork and potential disputes, even if you and your spouse are otherwise amicable.

I frequently have to step in when clients come to me after starting their divorce with Guide & File. I then have to go back and make sure every asset and debt listed in those initial property declarations is accounted for and properly addressed in the final settlement. This adds time, stress, and sometimes cost to what could have been a simpler process.

The Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) is Often Unnecessary

Guide & File also requires you to file an Income and Expense Declaration form, known as FL-150. This form details your income, monthly expenses, employer information, and other personal financial details. While this might seem like a straightforward step, most courts actually don’t require this form unless there is a specific reason, such as a child support request or a default case.

Filing this form unnecessarily again exposes sensitive information to the public record, including:

• Your employer’s name and address
• Your exact income
• Your monthly mortgage or rent payments
• Utilities and other living expenses
• Phone numbers and addresses

Many of my clients ask me why they should file this if it’s not required. The answer is simple: don’t. There is no benefit in making this information public when the court doesn’t demand it. Yet, Guide & File forces you to do it, creating unnecessary exposure of your personal life.

Is Guide & File Worth It?

At this point, you might be wondering if Guide & File is worth using at all. I understand the desire to save money and handle your divorce paperwork yourself, especially if you and your spouse are amicable. But the privacy risks and complications that come with filing overly detailed property declarations and income/expense forms can outweigh those savings.

Here’s what I recommend:

• If you want to file on your own, be very cautious about the information you provide and understand the consequences of making it public.
• Consider working with a divorce professional who can protect your privacy and help you avoid unnecessary filings that could complicate your case later.
• Even if you start with Guide & File, be prepared to have an attorney review and possibly revise your filings to protect your interests.

Remember, once your financial information is public, it’s difficult—if not impossible—to take it back. Protecting your privacy is crucial not just for your peace of mind but for your financial security.

How We Help at Divorce661

At Divorce661, we offer a full-service divorce solution tailored for amicable couples in California. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and affordable as possible while protecting your privacy and minimizing stress.

We understand that not everyone can afford or wants to hire an attorney right away. That’s why we provide consultations to help you understand your options and guide you through the process with expertise. When you work with us, we make sure your sensitive information is handled correctly and only disclosed when absolutely necessary.

If you’re considering filing your own divorce paperwork but are worried about the consequences of using Guide & File, reach out for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand the best path forward and how to safeguard your information every step of the way.

Conclusion: Think Twice Before Using Guide & File

Filing for divorce is never easy, but the tools you use can either make the process smoother or create unexpected headaches. Guide & File may seem like a convenient and affordable option, but the mandatory filing of detailed property declarations and income/expense declarations exposes your private financial information to the public and can cause complications years down the line.

Protecting your privacy and properly managing your divorce paperwork is essential. If you want to avoid the pitfalls of Guide & File, consider working with a professional who understands California divorce law and can guide you through the process without exposing unnecessary information.

Divorce is challenging enough—don’t let your filing method add to the stress or risk your privacy. Reach out, get the right advice, and protect your future.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, visit Divorce661.com.