How to Complete a No-Fault Divorce

Member

By elliotfeldman
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(0 Ratings)

DIY divorce

According to Nolo Press, a “no-fault divorce” is a granted divorce “where the spouse asking for a divorce does not have to prove that the other spouse did something wrong.” A simply stated reason, such as “incompatibility” is reason enough in most states. Other states will only grant a no-fault divorce if a couple lives apart for a specified period of time.

In 1953, Oklahoma became the first state to introduce no-fault divorces. In 1970, after California's then-governor Ronald Reagan signed no-fault divorces into law, then other states followed suit.

How to Determine Grounds for a Divorce
Lets face it: not all relationships are meant to be or you wouldn't be reading this article. Marriage can … More
Does Infidelity Matter in a Divorce?
… More
About Legal Separations
Legal separations are simply a time frame for spouses to establish a life independently without one anothe… More
About Common-Law Divorce
Most people are aware of the concept of common-law marriage. Under this scenario, two people who live toge… More
How to Understand the Difference Between Annulment and Divorce
When you're in the process of ending a marriage, you should know that there is a difference between annulm… More
How to Start a Divorce
Although many marriages end in divorce, that doesn’t make facing the end of your own marriage any e… More
Where to File for Divorce
In most cases, states require that you or your spouse live in the state for a certain period of time befor… More
How to Print Divorce Papers Online for Free
According to the Barna Group, 78 percent of adults in the United States have been married at least once. A… More
How to Complete a No-Fault Divorce
According to Nolo Press, a “no-fault divorce” is a granted divorce “where the spouse asking for a divorce … More
How to Protect Your Assets in a Divorce
Divorce is seldom a mutual agreement. Someone’s feelings are bound to get hurt and when you mix th… More
How to Win a Divorce
There is nothing fun about a divorce as you all may know. However, if you are going to divorce someone, yo… More
Adultery Divorce Laws
Divorce is difficult for anyone. The separation of two people can spark strong emotions, especially when c… More
How to Avoid Financial Revenge in a Divorce
Divorce is seldom a mutual arrangement. Someone’s feelings are bound to get hurt and when this mix of pai… More
Can You Refuse to Sign Divorce Papers?
Anyone can refuse to sign divorce papers, but this will only delay the inevitable. Divorce papers might be… More
How to Finalize a Divorce
If your spouse is not cooperating, or is failing to show up for court dates, you can still get your divorc… More

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

How to Do a No-Fault Divorce

Step 1

Determine if a no-fault divorce is right for both of you. Discuss key issues including dividing property and bills, alimony and spousal support, child custody and visitation, property transfers, child support, and personal property and real estate. You cannot file for a no-fault divorce unless both of you agree. Also, a couple cannot file for a no-fault divorce if the wife is pregnant.
Step 2

Buy a copy of Daniel Sitarz’s “Divorce Yourself: The National No-Fault Divorce Kit.” It includes instructions, legal forms, questionnaires, checklists and courtroom guidelines.
Step 3

In 1996, my spouse and I bought “How to Do Your Own Divorce in California” from Nolo.com, a long-time respected provider of legal information for consumers and small businesses. Nolo’s book and service saved us money and acrimony.