Do it Yourself: Free Divorce Filing
It is a common misconception that you must have a lawyer to file for divorce. Many couples postpone divorce proceedings for years to save the money for lawyer's fees. However, it is possible to get a divorce without a lawyer. The forms are easily obtainable, either by downloading them from the Internet or picking them up at your local county courthouse. There are certain fees associated with filing divorce forms and they vary depending on the state you live in, but these can be waived if your financial situation meets the criteria.
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Instructions
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Work out a thorough and detailed divorce agreement with your spouse. Address matters such as alimony, child support, child custody, visitation, health insurance and the division of your assets. Both of you must be in complete agreement before you file for a divorce. If either of you disagrees, the divorce becomes contested and you must hire a lawyer.
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Research your state's regulations on divorce, acceptable grounds for filing for divorce and residency laws. Each state is different. Go online to your state's judiciary website or visit your local county courthouse and speak with the court clerk. Divorcecentral.com has a registry of each state's divorce laws.
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Download uncontested divorce forms from your state's judiciary website. Freedivorceforms.net also has a database of divorce forms by state. Click on your state and download the uncontested divorce form.
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Fill out the uncontested divorce forms together. Have the forms signed and sealed by a notary public.
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File the forms with the court clerk. There will be fees for filing and for purchasing an index number. However, you can apply for a Poor Person's Waiver to have the fees removed from your case. Your income has to meet your state's requirements for this provision.
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Tips & Warnings
It will take two to three months before the judge signs your divorce decree. You will be notified by mail when it is finished. Send that notification to your now ex-spouse and the two of you will legally be divorced.
If you have children, the judge has the power to disagree with your custody arrangements. Not complying with the judge makes your divorce contested.
Don't file for an uncontested divorce if you are being abused, if your children are in danger or if your spouse is coercing you. In cases such as these, seek a lawyer's help.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit a man and a woman with documents image by Sergii Shalimov from Fotolia.com
