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Do it Yourself Divorce Guide
- 1). Locate the family court in your county, where you will obtain the do it yourself divorce documents. In some locales, they come in an informational packet that you pay for. The information may also be on the county's website.
- 2). Obtain the documents necessary to file for divorce. Download them off of the website, if available. If not, visit the court in person to purchase or obtain the forms. Documents that will be included are generally the petition for divorce, financial affidavit and answer and affidavit.
- 3). Fill out the forms. The packet of documents usually includes specific instructions. Procedures and requirements vary from court to court. Make copies of all of the forms for your records.
- 4). File the forms. There is a cost to file that varies by court. The clerk keeps the original documents. If you are filing a summons, the clerk will sign, date and stamp the original. He will return it to you so that you can have it served on your spouse.
- 5). Serve all the documents on your spouse by hiring a process server or through the sheriff's office. In most states, you cannot do this yourself.
- 6). Wait out the period designated by the court. This could be 90 days or longer, depending on the court. In some states, there is not a hearing required for a do it yourself divorce. If a hearing is scheduled, you are required to attend.
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