Hi Jennifer, I have been a trial attorney in Oregon since 2000 and have handled thousands of cases. Since 2006 I have represented many clients who needed unconventional ways to pay for their divorce. Here are my answers about using GoFundMe or similar platforms. Can you legally use GoFundMe for a divorce? Yes. There is typically no prohibition on raising money for attorney fees or litigation costs. Clients can ask friends, family, or the public for help. I advise people to set the goal high enough to cover the full cost because most underestimate what a divorce will require. Do you need to disclose how the money will be used? This is really between the client, the platform, and the donors. Attorneys usually are not involved in drafting the fundraiser. Clients should be honest about intended use and avoid promising results. How does crowdfunding affect taxes? I am not a tax attorney, but money received from any source can have tax consequences. In many cases, donations to an individual who is not a charity may be considered taxable income. Clients should consult a tax professional. Do you have to disclose the fundraiser to your attorney and could it affect costs? Clients should always tell their attorney the source of their funds. It does not change the fee structure as long as the source is lawful. Attorneys see many funding situations, including loans, family contributions, credit cards, and savings. Does the other party's attorney need to be notified? Disclosure rules vary by state. In Oregon, a client may need to disclose the source of funds if the court or opposing counsel requests it. Attorneys do not voluntarily share this information unless required. Is using GoFundMe for divorce common? It is not the majority of cases, but I see it often enough. Divorce is expensive and people turn to community support when other options are limited. Anything else people should know? Many people underestimate both legal costs and the higher expenses that come with maintaining two households. Anyone using crowdfunding should plan for legal fees and basic living costs. It also helps to state what will happen to any unused funds so donors are not misled. Bio and links: Michael Romano Oregon Divorce and Family Law Attorney Romano Law Website: https://romanolawpc.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanolawpc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@romano_law_oregon
I'm responding on behalf of whatwouldajudgesay.com and Paradigm Family Law LLP, specialists in divorce and financial remedy work in England & Wales. You're welcome to quote the below from Evelyn Peacock, Legal Director at Paradigm, and me, Karen Arndt, Co-Founder of whatwouldajudgesay.com. 1. Can you legally use GoFundMe for divorce? Evelyn: "Yes. There's nothing unlawful about crowdfunding legal fees. We're seeing more clients turn to online communities where there has been financial control or one partner has ring-fenced assets. The key is transparency. Never assume your fundraiser won't end up before a judge." 2. Must you explain how funds will be used? Evelyn: "You don't need a detailed breakdown, but you must be broadly accurate. Saying funds will 'cover legal and court fees in a complex divorce' is fine. Misleading donors carries obvious risks." 3. Tax implications? Evelyn: "Most UK personal fundraisers are treated as gifts, not income. Larger or overseas donations may have tax effects, so bespoke advice is sensible." 4. Must your lawyer know? Evelyn: "Yes. Solicitors must verify the source of funds. Strategically, it's also important they're not blindsided—if the other side discovers the GoFundMe first, it can weaken your position." 5. Must the other side be told? Evelyn: "Full and frank disclosure is required. If crowdfunding changes your financial resources in any meaningful way, it should be disclosed." 6. How common is this? Karen: "At whatwouldajudgesay.com we're hearing it more often, especially from people who've faced financial or coercive control. Crowdfunding can feel like reclaiming agency when access to justice has been restricted." 7. Other considerations Karen: "A public fundraiser can be a lifeline—but also a risk. A narcissistic or abusive ex may weaponise anything posted online. Some clients are better served by raising support privately." Evelyn: "Crowdfunding can shift negotiations: it may empower someone to secure proper representation, but it can also inflame matters. Good advice keeps focus on de-escalation." Karen: "Divorces often become expensive because people lack early clarity. That's why we built whatwouldajudgesay.com—so limited funds are used intelligently, not to fuel an open-ended legal battle." Contributor details Evelyn Peacock https://paradigmfamilylaw.co.uk | https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyn-peacock-44938276/ Karen Arndt - whatwouldajudgesay.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-arndt-66758a7b/