Self-Representation Data
Pro Se Litigant Statistics
72% of divorce cases now have at least one self-represented (pro se) party, up from 60% in 2015. While pro se litigants save an average of $12,500, 68% make procedural mistakes that can hurt their outcomes.
Most pro se litigants don't choose self-representation - 62% cannot afford an attorney. Courts are responding with self-help centers, simplified forms, and AI tools to improve outcomes.
Pro Se Rate
72%at least one party
+12% since 2015
Cost Savings
$12,500avg saved
vs full representation
Procedural Errors
68%make mistakes
Online tools helping
Settlement Rate
58%settle favorably
vs 78% with attorney
Why People Represent Themselves
Cost is the primary driver, but many pro se litigants also have legitimately simple cases that don't require full legal representation.
| Reason | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot afford attorney | 62% | Primary driver |
| Simple/uncontested divorce | 48% | No complex issues |
| Distrust of attorneys | 18% | Past negative experience |
| Spouse already agreed to terms | 35% | Just need paperwork |
| Want control over process | 22% | Empowerment factor |
| Short marriage, no assets/kids | 42% | Truly simple cases |
Pro Se vs Attorney-Represented Outcomes
Attorney-represented parties consistently achieve better outcomes, particularly in financial matters and case efficiency.
| Outcome Metric | Pro Se | Represented | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Favorable Financial Outcome | 48% | 72% | -24% |
| Achieved Desired Custody | 52% | 68% | -16% |
| Procedural Dismissals | 12% | 2% | +10% |
| Case Duration | 18 months | 12 months | +50% |
| Post-Judgment Modifications | 35% | 18% | +17% |
| Appeals Filed | 8% | 4% | +4% |
Common Pro Se Mistakes
These are the most frequent errors pro se litigants make, often with serious consequences for their case.
| Mistake | Frequency | Severity | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incomplete financial disclosure | 45% | High | Agreement voidable |
| Missing filing deadlines | 38% | Critical | Default judgment |
| Improper service of process | 32% | Critical | Case dismissed |
| Waiving valuable rights | 28% | High | Lost entitlements |
| Tax implications ignored | 42% | High | Unexpected tax liability |
| Pension/retirement not divided | 35% | Critical | Major asset lost |
| Incomplete parenting plan | 40% | Medium | Future disputes |
Full Data Access
Complete Statistics Report
Get the complete United States divorce data with all 50 state comparisons
Excel SpreadsheetAll 50 states divorce data for your own analysis
PDF ReportFormatted United States report to share with clients
3-Year Trend DataHistorical comparison showing rate changes over time
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Pro Se Rates by State
States with strong court assistance programs have higher pro se rates because litigants can navigate the system more effectively.
| State | Pro Se Rate | Court Assistance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78% | Strong | Self-help centers |
| Florida | 80% | Strong | Family law forms |
| Texas | 65% | Medium | TexasLawHelp.org |
| New York | 58% | Strong | DIY divorce option |
| Nevada | 82% | Strong | Quickie divorce state |
| Arizona | 75% | Strong | Court facilitators |
Resources Pro Se Litigants Use
AI-powered legal tools are the fastest-growing resource, with 28% usage and 74% satisfaction.
| Resource | Usage Rate | Satisfaction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court self-help centers | 45% | 72% | Free, court-specific |
| Online legal document services | 38% | 65% | LegalZoom, etc. |
| Legal aid organizations | 22% | 78% | Income-restricted |
| Law library research | 15% | 55% | Time-consuming |
| Unbundled legal services | 18% | 82% | Limited attorney help |
| AI-powered legal tools | 28% | 74% | Growing rapidly |
Built for Pro Se Litigants
Splitifi was designed specifically to help self-represented litigants succeed. Our AI guides you through every step, catches common mistakes, and ensures you don't waive valuable rights.
- Step-by-step procedural guidance
- Document generation and review
- Deadline tracking and reminders
- Financial disclosure assistance
- Court-ready forms for your state
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of divorces are pro se?
72% of divorce cases have at least one self-represented party, up from 60% in 2015. In some states like Florida and Nevada, this exceeds 80%. The increase is driven by legal costs and improved self-help resources.
How much do pro se litigants save?
Pro se litigants save an average of $12,500 compared to full attorney representation. However, 68% make procedural errors that can hurt outcomes. The net financial benefit depends on case complexity and available resources.
What are the biggest mistakes pro se litigants make?
The most critical mistakes are: incomplete financial disclosure (45%), missing deadlines (38%), improper service (32%), and failing to divide retirement accounts (35%). Many of these can invalidate agreements or result in lost entitlements.
Should I represent myself in divorce?
Pro se representation can work well for simple, uncontested divorces with no children, limited assets, and short marriage duration. For complex cases, consider unbundled legal services (limited attorney help for specific tasks) as a middle ground.
Cite This Page
Splitifi. "Pro Se Divorce Statistics: Self-Represented Litigant Data." Splitifi.com, February 2026, https://www.mysplitifi.com/statistics/pro-se-litigant-statisticsData sources: National Center for State Courts, Legal Services Corporation, Self-Represented Litigation Network. Updated annually.