How to Do Your Own Divorce Papers

Overview
Divorce is usually a very stressful and emotional experience for most people and this is one of the reasons legal representation is sought. The process begins when divorce papers are filed in court. If your divorce is not contested, it is possible to file your own papers and save yourself a lot of money. It also provides you with an opportunity to be in control of the divorce process, unlike in situations where the lawyer is in charge of everything. Learn about the divorce laws that are applicable in your state before you begin. This is important: Laws vary from one state to another. States also can vary in the filing process or the paperwork that is included in the divorce.

Step 1
Get information about the divorce requirements in you state by searching the Internet. Download the divorce papers or get them from the courthouse in your county. The forms you get will be determined by the grounds for divorce.

Step 2
Set aside adequate time to carefully go through the forms and fill them in. This is an easy process if you and your partner have already discussed the divorce details. Avoid filling them in if you have not discussed the details with your partner and come to an agreement.

Step 3
File three copies of the completed papers with the courthouse. An original marriage certificate and a statement about the child arrangements you have with your partner should also be sent to the court. Filing the papers will cost you less than $100 in most states.

Step 4
Ensure that your partner gets a copy of the papers you filed with the courts, including an acknowledgment of service which has to be signed to indicate that the divorce is consensual. Once this is done, the court will issue you with a Notice of Issue of Petition. You must ascertain its accuracy by sending an Affidavit of Evidence together with an Application for Directions for Trial to the court.

Step 5
Wait for a Decree Nisi to be pronounced by the court. This is the legal pronouncement that symbolizes the status of your divorce as almost final. Six weeks after the pronouncement, you can make a formal application for a Decree Absolute via the Internet. The Decree Absolute signifies the completion of your divorce and thus the end of your marital union to your partner. The waiting period allows for any objections to be raised before the divorce is finalized.

Things You'll Need
• Affidavits
• Notice of impending hearing
• Divorce petition
• Financial documents
• Alimony
• Divorce forms
• Marriage certificate

Tips
• Keep track of the financial transactions you are involved in during the divorce-papers filing process. If arrangements are made between you and your spouse, make sure they are all included in the decree. This is essential to prevent any problems once the divorce is final.
Warnings
• Consult the courthouse in your county or search the Internet for any information you are not sure about when filing your papers to prevent any mistakes.

Keywords
• Divorce papers
• filing process
• agreement

Reference
• Represent yourself in court: how to prepare & try a winning case‎; Paul Bergman, Sara J. Berman-Barrett; 2008