How to Self File Divorce Papers
If you decide to pursue a divorce, you do not need to engage the services of a lawyer. You can proceed with a divorce on your own. Keep in mind that if you do file for divorce on your own, you will be held to essentially the same standards applied to family law attorneys. Therefore, before you commence a divorce action it is important for you to understand how to file your own divorce papers. The failure to use the proper forms and procedures can result in a dismissal of a divorce case.
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Things You'll Need
- Petition for divorce
- Child support worksheet
- Financial affidavit
- Motion for temporary orders
Instructions
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Obtain from the clerk of the court divorce guidelines and standard forms. Most courts across the United States maintain local court guidelines. The typical court clerk also provides standard forms to be used by people interested in filing a divorce case without the aid of family law attorneys.
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Complete the initial divorce papers needed to commence a case. All jurisdictions require the filing of a petition. Jurisdictions also normally require the filing of a child support worksheet (if you have children) and a financial affidavit.
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File a motion for temporary orders. This motion is filed at the same time the petition is presented to the clerk of the court. A motion for temporary orders asks the court to deal with issues like temporary custody and support of the children.
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Request the clerk's office to arrange to have all of these divorce papers served on your spouse. The clerk should have a standard form for you to complete. Through this request, a deputy sheriff formally serves these documents on your spouse.
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