How Do I File For Divorce?

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Filing for divorce is like initiating any other civil lawsuit – you must first file papers at the courthouse (a “Complaint”). Many states have the necessary forms available online. Once filed, the papers must then be delivered to your spouse (“served”). The rules associated with what needs to be included in the Complaint and how the Complaint must be “served” on your spouse are complicated and technically specific. Doing either without consulting a lawyer first is not a good idea.

Other Divorce FAQs

Q: What Exactly Does It Mean To Be Divorced?
A: If you are divorced it means that a judge has signed a “dissolution of marriage” declaring that you are no longer legally married to your spouse. … More
Q: What Is The Difference Between a "Fault" and a "No Fault" Divorce?
A: A “no fault” divorce is one where the spouse filing for divorce does not have to prove that the other spouse did something wrong. All states allow divorces … More
Q: How Long Does It Take To Get Divorced?
A: This is really a two-part question. Most states require a certain period of time to pass between the filing of the initial paperwork and the issuance of a … More
Q: My Husband And I Do Not Make Much Money And We Really Dont Own Anything Of Much Value – Is There A Simplified Way For Us To Get Divorced?
A: It depends. Some states offer a simplified version of divorce that may be available to you. In the states that do, it is usually required that you and your … More
Q: My Husband Said That He Will Not let Me Divorce Him
A: In a "no fault" divorce state there is nothing that your husband can do to legally prevent you from filing for and obtaining a divorce decree from the … More
Q: How Does The Court Decide Who Gets The Children?
A: At the outset, it is important to understand that “custody” is usually divided into two separate categories – legal custody and physical … More