How To File You Own Divorce Papers 

If you are in the unsettling situation of needing to file for divorce, there are certain steps you should take to protect yourself and to help your divorce go smoothly. If you are doing a Do It Yourself Divorce, you’ll have to know how to file your own divorce papers. Without proper knowledge, this process can be utterly confusing and highly stressful. In this session we’ll walk you through maze of procedures, forms, legal jargon and information regarding filing your own divorce papers. 

Please note; the steps we list here are general steps to filing your own divorce papers and should not be construed as legal advice. Please consult with a divorce lawyer and/or seek out information from the proper court with legal jurisdiction in your divorce case. Many courts have an online presence with pages to assist those who are filing a Do It Yourself Divorce. Read all of their self-help pages before filing any divorce papers with the Court. 

How To File You Own Divorce Papers Step #1

Build a Divorce Paperwork File

Get all of your personal and business paperwork together prior to filing divorce papers. This step is an important one but mostly overlooked by most divorce petitioners. Your file should include: confirmation of ALL assets and debts. That means copies of account numbers, monthly statements, deed or mortgage contracts, lease agreements, retirement plan paperwork, title deeds, jewelry, and checking, savings, 401k accounts, etc. If there are any other accounts, assets or items you can think of, add them to your divorce paperwork file. 

How To File You Own Divorce Papers Step #2

Settling Assets and Debt Distribution

The next step centers around the dividing of assets and debts. When you file divorce papers, you must specify material possession. In other words, who gets what, which is then spelled out in the divorce decree. If not, you will more than likely have no legal standing if there is a dispute later on.

How To File You Own Divorce Papers Step #3

Settling Child Custody and Child Support Issues

If you have no children, simply disregard this step. If you do have children, you’ll need to negotiate and settle the child custody arrangements and child support payments, if any. It is wise to craft a joint parenting plan that takes into consideration all parties, father, mother and children.

How To File You Own Divorce Papers Step #4

Settling Alimony/Maintenance Issues

If there is going to be alimony, now is the time to address this issue

Once you have done these things, it is time to actually begin the process of filling out and filing your divorce papers.

How To File You Own Divorce Papers Step #5

Filling Out The Divorce Petition

It is vitally important to note; there are strict requirements to follow when filling out divorce papers. Failure to follow those rules could mean that the Court rejects your divorce petition.  

How To File You Own Divorce Papers Step #6

Filing The Divorce Petition
After you have taken all of the previous steps, you are ready to file your divorce papers. Once again, each jurisdiction has its on requirements; make sure you know and follow them to the letter.