How to file for a divorce or legal separation on your own.

By capeside

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how to file for a divorce or legal separation

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

marriage certificate
child's birth certificate

Step1

First of all you need to find the local Probate and Family Court in the County you live in. You and your ex must have lived in that county for 6 months for that Court to have jurisdiction.

You need to go to that Courthouse directly, call, or go online to get the necessary forms.

Step2

You need to complete all these forms and will also need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You may also need copies of your children's birth certificates if you have children.

Once you file out the forms you file for a divorce/legal separation at the Court. You will probably need to pay a fee to file. If you are low income or indigent the court may waive your filing fees. Then you will need to file the divorce complaint on the other party. You can read my article on HOW TO SERVE A COMPLAINT TO LEARN HOW TO DO SO.

Step3

Once the divorce is served there is an automatic restraining order on any financial items, assets, property or saving accounts between the parties. Parties can not transfer or remove any of these assest.

Once it is served you will get your first Court hearing.. Good Luck..