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Public-resource readiness

The Equalora Divorce Readiness Index

How prepared is each state to help people organize, understand, and move through family court?

This is not a ranking of courts. Scores are not published yet. We are reviewing public resources first.

Review posture
Source-backed notes first, scoring later
States listed
50
Pilot states
5
Scoring
Not published
The problem

Family court pressure is not only a legal problem. It is also an organization problem.

Many people are not only missing full legal representation. They are missing organization, plain-language resources, and a clear next step before the process becomes more expensive and overwhelming.

Equalora built this index to focus on public-resource readiness: whether people can find, understand, and use basic public resources when they are trying to prepare.

What the index measures

Seven public-resource readiness dimensions

Form complexity
Self-help resource quality
Online filing availability
Legal aid accessibility
Mediation resources
Parenting plan / custody guidance
Language and accessibility support
How scoring will be reviewed

Scores are not published yet.

A score would create false precision before the evidence trail is complete. Each dimension needs sources, reviewer notes, and local-variation checks first.

This review tracks public-resource availability only. It is not legal advice and does not predict what will happen in a case.

Clear public sources for each dimension.

A source-quality check for official, nonprofit, and local materials.

A confidence label that explains what is still unverified.

A local-variation note for county, circuit, or court differences.

Methodology preview

Pilot review, no public scores yet

This version establishes the framework before publishing scores. A future release can add scoring labels only after the evidence trail is complete.

This review tracks public resource availability only. It does not evaluate courts, case results, fairness, or whether a person should take any specific action.

  • We are reviewing public resources first.
  • A state is marked source-backed only when its notes have public sources behind them.
  • Local rules, services, and filing paths can still vary.
  • Scores are not published until the rubric and review trail are stronger.
  • This is not a review of courts, judges, case results, or fairness.
Why no scores yet?

We need more review before scoring.

  • Source availability alone is not enough.
  • Local rules and services can still vary.
  • Each dimension needs a clearer review trail first.
  • Pilot states are source-backed, but not scored.
State list

National scaffold

Every state is listed so the index has a clear national structure. States without source-backed review are shown as review pending.

45 review pending

Pilot review states

California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois have initial source-backed public-resource reviews started. Scores are not published in this version.

CA

California

Initial source-backed review started

Initial source-backed review started. No public-resource score has been assigned yet.

Evidence base formingScoring not yet published
Form complexityInitial source-backed review

California publishes statewide divorce form lists and step-by-step form guidance, while also noting that form selection can be difficult and local forms may apply.

Evidence base forming
California Courts: Divorce FormsCalifornia Courts: Forms instructions
Self-help resource qualityInitial source-backed review

California Courts provides a statewide Self Help Guide and says every superior court has free self-help programs for people without lawyers.

Evidence base forming
California Courts: Self Help GuideCalifornia Courts: Self-help services
Online filing availabilityInitial source-backed review

California Courts explains that divorce forms may be filed in person, by mail, or online if the local court allows e-filing; availability depends on the court.

Evidence base forming
California Courts: File your divorce formsCalifornia Courts: How to file court papers
Legal aid accessibilityInitial source-backed review

California Courts points users to free or low-cost legal help, including court-based self-help, referral services, legal aid programs, and State Bar resources.

Evidence base forming
California Courts: Free/low-cost helpState Bar of California: Free Legal Help
Mediation resourcesInitial source-backed review

California Courts provides public guidance on family court mediation and explains that custody and parenting time disputes generally involve mediation before a judge hears the issue.

Evidence base forming
California Courts: Family court mediationCalifornia Courts: Family Court Services
Parenting plan / custody guidanceInitial source-backed review

California Courts provides plain-language custody and parenting time pages, including parenting plan basics and instructions for asking for or changing custody and visitation orders.

Evidence base forming
California Courts: Custody and parenting timeCalifornia Courts: Custody request forms
Language and accessibility supportInitial source-backed review

California Courts provides public instructions for requesting an interpreter and disability accommodation, with court-specific processes where applicable.

Evidence base forming
California Courts: Ask for an interpreterCalifornia Courts: Disability accommodations

California has an initial source-backed public-resource review for each dimension. No score is assigned in this version.

FL

Florida

Initial source-backed review started

Initial source-backed review started. No public-resource score has been assigned yet.

Evidence base formingScoring not yet published
Form complexityInitial source-backed review

Florida public resources include Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms, basic form instructions, and dissolution of marriage form categories.

Evidence base forming
Florida Courts: Family Law FormsFlorida Courts: Dissolution petition
Self-help resource qualityInitial source-backed review

Florida public resources include a statewide self-help information area, Florida Courts Help, and links to local self-help centers and family court services.

Evidence base forming
Florida Courts: Self-Help InformationFlorida Courts Help: Self-help centers
Online filing availabilityInitial source-backed review

Florida public resources include a statewide e-filing portal and DIY Florida, which can prepare some official court forms and submit them through the portal.

Evidence base forming
Florida Courts E-Filing PortalFlorida Courts E-Filing Portal: DIY Florida
Legal aid accessibilityInitial source-backed review

Florida public resources point users to legal aid and public legal help resources, including Florida Courts legal aid information and FloridaLawHelp provider search tools.

Evidence base forming
Florida Courts: Legal AidFloridaLawHelp: Find a Legal Provider
Mediation resourcesInitial source-backed review

Florida public resources include statewide mediation information and a Florida Dispute Resolution Center search for certified mediators.

Evidence base forming
Florida Courts: Mediation in FloridaFlorida DRC: Mediator Search
Parenting plan / custody guidanceInitial source-backed review

Florida public resources include parenting plan form pages and local court parenting plan materials that explain public forms and plan options.

Evidence base forming
Florida Courts: Parenting Plan Forms12th Judicial Circuit: Parenting Plans
Language and accessibility supportInitial source-backed review

Florida public resources include court interpreter search tools and official court ADA accommodation information, with some access processes handled by local circuits.

Evidence base forming
Florida Courts: Find an InterpreterFlorida Courts: ADA Title II Guidelines

Florida has an initial source-backed public-resource review for each dimension. No score is assigned in this version.

IL

Illinois

Initial source-backed review started

Initial source-backed review started. No public-resource score has been assigned yet.

Evidence base formingScoring not yet published
Form complexityInitial source-backed review

Illinois public resources include approved statewide divorce, child support, maintenance, appearance, and response forms with instructions for court users.

Evidence base forming
Illinois Courts: Divorce/support formsIllinois Courts: Approved Statewide Forms
Self-help resource qualityInitial source-backed review

Illinois public resources include a statewide self-help page, Illinois Court Help, and resources for self-represented litigants.

Evidence base forming
Illinois Courts: Self HelpIllinois Court Help
Online filing availabilityInitial source-backed review

Illinois public resources include statewide eFileIL information and specific guidance for filers without lawyers in civil cases.

Evidence base forming
Illinois Courts: eFileILIllinois Courts: Filers Without Lawyers
Legal aid accessibilityInitial source-backed review

Illinois public resources point users toward Illinois Court Help, legal aid referrals, and Illinois Legal Aid Online for public legal information.

Evidence base forming
Illinois Courts: Self-represented resourcesIllinois Legal Aid Online: Divorce
Mediation resourcesInitial source-backed review

Illinois public resources include reputable mediation information for parenting issues and official local court examples of family mediation programs.

Evidence base forming
ILAO: Mediation for parenting issues19th Judicial Circuit: Family Mediation
Parenting plan / custody guidanceInitial source-backed review

Illinois public resources include statewide parenting plan forms and public resources for parental responsibilities and parenting time.

Evidence base forming
Illinois Courts: Parenting Plan FormsILAO: Parental responsibilities forms
Language and accessibility supportInitial source-backed review

Illinois public resources include statewide language access information, interpreter resources, translated access materials, and disability access information.

Evidence base forming
Illinois Courts: Language AccessIllinois Courts: Disability access

Illinois has an initial source-backed public-resource review for each dimension. No score is assigned in this version.

NY

New York

Initial source-backed review started

Initial source-backed review started. No public-resource score has been assigned yet.

Evidence base formingScoring not yet published
Form complexityInitial source-backed review

New York public resources include statewide divorce form pages, instruction booklets, and official uncontested divorce filing guidance.

Evidence base forming
New York Courts: Divorce FormsNew York Courts: Uncontested filing
Self-help resource qualityInitial source-backed review

New York public resources include statewide CourtHelp pages, divorce topic pages, and a DIY uncontested divorce program for eligible users.

Evidence base forming
New York Courts: CourtHelpNew York Courts: DIY divorce program
Online filing availabilityInitial source-backed review

New York public resources identify NYSCEF e-filing for divorce, while official guidance notes availability can depend on county and case type.

Evidence base forming
New York Courts: E-Filing Through NYSCEFNew York Courts: Uncontested Divorce Overview
Legal aid accessibilityInitial source-backed review

New York public resources point users toward legal help pathways, including New York Courts divorce legal resources and LawHelpNY legal information.

Evidence base forming
New York Courts: Divorce Legal ResourcesLawHelpNY: Find Legal Help
Mediation resourcesInitial source-backed review

New York public resources include official family and divorce mediation information and family court mediation guidance for public-resource review.

Evidence base forming
New York Courts: Family and Divorce MediationNew York Courts: Mediation in Family Court
Parenting plan / custody guidanceInitial source-backed review

New York public resources include custody and visitation information, divorce resources for parents, and guidance about which court handles family issues.

Evidence base forming
New York CourtHelp: Custody and VisitationNew York Courts: Divorce Legal Resources
Language and accessibility supportInitial source-backed review

New York public resources include court interpreter information, language access resources, and official ADA accessibility information for court users.

Evidence base forming
New York Courts: Language AccessNew York Courts: Accessibility

New York has an initial source-backed public-resource review for each dimension. No score is assigned in this version.

TX

Texas

Initial source-backed review started

Initial source-backed review started. No public-resource score has been assigned yet.

Evidence base formingScoring not yet published
Form complexityInitial source-backed review

Texas public resources point to limited official statewide divorce forms, TexasLawHelp divorce kits, and law library guidance that form availability varies by situation.

Evidence base forming
Texas State Law Library: Filing for DivorceTexas Judicial Branch: Forms
Self-help resource qualityInitial source-backed review

Texas public resources include statewide self-help pages from the Texas Judicial Branch, TexasLawHelp guides, and Texas State Law Library self-help information.

Evidence base forming
Texas Courts: Self-represented litigantsTexasLawHelp: Family, Divorce & Children
Online filing availabilityInitial source-backed review

eFileTexas is the official Texas e-filing system, and public guidance says non-attorney filers are encouraged to use e-filing and may use guided self-help interviews for some filings.

Evidence base forming
eFileTexas: Official E-Filing SystemTexas State Law Library: E-Filing Divorce
Legal aid accessibilityInitial source-backed review

Texas public resources include a TexasLawHelp legal aid directory and Texas State Law Library legal help guide listing legal aid, hotlines, clinics, and referral resources.

Evidence base forming
TexasLawHelp: Legal Help DirectoryTexas State Law Library: Legal Help
Mediation resourcesInitial source-backed review

TexasLawHelp provides public information on divorce mediation, and the Texas Attorney General describes access and visitation services that may include mediation and parenting-plan support.

Evidence base forming
TexasLawHelp: Divorce and MediationTexas Attorney General: Access and Visitation
Parenting plan / custody guidanceInitial source-backed review

Texas public resources provide custody and visitation explanations, SAPCR guides, and parenting time information for parents trying to understand public court resources.

Evidence base forming
TexasLawHelp: Child Custody & VisitationTexas Attorney General: Parenting time
Language and accessibility supportInitial source-backed review

Texas public resources include statewide court language access information, interpreter resources, and public disability accommodation information for court-related access needs.

Evidence base forming
Texas Courts: Language AccessOffice of the Texas Governor: Accommodations

Texas has an initial source-backed public-resource review for each dimension. No score is assigned in this version.

Review pending

These states are included in the scaffold and still need source-backed review.

AL

Alabama

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

AK

Alaska

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

AZ

Arizona

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

AR

Arkansas

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

CO

Colorado

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

CT

Connecticut

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

DE

Delaware

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

GA

Georgia

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

HI

Hawaii

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

ID

Idaho

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

IN

Indiana

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

IA

Iowa

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

KS

Kansas

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

KY

Kentucky

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

LA

Louisiana

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

ME

Maine

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

MD

Maryland

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

MA

Massachusetts

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

MI

Michigan

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

MN

Minnesota

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

MS

Mississippi

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

MO

Missouri

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

MT

Montana

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

NE

Nebraska

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

NV

Nevada

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

NH

New Hampshire

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

NJ

New Jersey

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

NM

New Mexico

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

NC

North Carolina

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

ND

North Dakota

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

OH

Ohio

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

OK

Oklahoma

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

OR

Oregon

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

PA

Pennsylvania

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

RI

Rhode Island

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

SC

South Carolina

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

SD

South Dakota

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

TN

Tennessee

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

UT

Utah

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

VT

Vermont

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

VA

Virginia

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

WA

Washington

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

WV

West Virginia

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

WI

Wisconsin

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

WY

Wyoming

Review pending

Review pending. This state is included in the national scaffold but has not been scored.

Seven dimensions pending source-backed review.

What makes a state more ready?

Readiness means public resources are easier to find, understand, and use.

  • Forms and instructions are easier to find and easier to understand.
  • Self-help pages explain the next practical step in plain language.
  • Online filing or filing instructions are visible before a person is in crisis.
  • Legal aid and low-cost help options are easier to locate.
  • Mediation and parenting-plan resources are explained without unnecessary complexity.
  • Language access and accessibility support are visible to people who need them.
Why Equalora built this

People need clearer starting points before the scramble.

Family court can become expensive quickly when the record is scattered. People often arrive at a lawyer meeting, mediation, or hearing with screenshots in one place, documents in another, dates in memory, and no clean timeline.

Equalora helps people build one organized record: messages, documents, timelines, current orders, and preparation in a calmer working system.

Start with structure

Start with one organized record

You do not have to fix the whole process at once. Start by making one message, document, deadline, or timeline easier to work with.

Start with one organized recordRewrite a message freeView quick answers

Informational only. Not legal advice.

This index is informational only. It is not legal advice, does not provide state-specific guidance, and does not predict court outcomes. It does not rank court systems, individual judges, or make comparative divorce-law claims.