How to File Your Own Divorce
When you file your own divorce, you'll save money. Attorneys are expensive so if you're able to file your divorce papers yourself, do so.
When filing your own divorce yourself or even with assistance, it is still much cheaper than you and your spouse each hiring lawyers. Consider your options, then file your own divorce.
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Instructions
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First, determine if you and your spouse are able to agree on the major points of your separation and divorce. Can you agree on money, the house, the children, pets, material possessions? If you can agree on most items without tearing your hair out, chances are good you can save money filing your own divorce.
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Decide how you will file for divorce. Will one of you file the papers or will you do it jointly? Make sure you take notes of what is agreed upon at each meeting with the date and time of each meeting. If possible, give your spouse a copy at the end of the meeting so there is no disagreement on what you both agreed on.
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Use Complete Case to file your own divorce. This online company will guide you through filing your divorce step by step for a nominal fee. For $249 they advertise themselves as a divorce service center. You provide the information and they deliver completed forms specific for your state to you to file with instructions.
For a direct link to Complete Case, see the Resources section below.
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Visit Easy Divorce to order divorce forms that you fill out then file your own divorce. When you order, the do-it-yourself divorce kit, it comes with forms for marital separation agreements; child custody and visitation; alimony/spousal support; and domestic abuse/violence.
A direct link is provided for Easy Divorce in the Resources section.
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Visit Divorce Source for resources for filing your own divorce. This website contains myriad resources, all related to divorce, including a divorce bookstore, state-specific divorce forms, parenting and property agreements, and much more.
See the Resources section below for a direct link to Divorce Source.
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To file your own divorce, obtain the divorce forms you'll need for your state by searching the Internet for: file for divorce in [your state]. Include your state name in the search. A list of sites will appear. Read several sites to find the information specific to your situation.
Refer to the article How to Get Free Divorce Forms for resources for free divorce forms. A link is provided in the Resources section below.
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Find out your state's requirements regarding residency, grounds for divorce, which court you'll file in, for example. Have your information ready on child custody, visitation, alimony, distribution of property, and so on to fill out the divorce papers.
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Fill out the divorce forms. Contact your county clerk's office to ask about filing divorce papers so you can file them in the correct court. Ask about all of the fees, number of copies needed, and any other requirements to file your own divorce.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask for advice and help from a friend if you feel overwhelmed.
Plan for the divorce to take longer than you might anticipate.
Resources
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