Not every divorce case involves years of litigation and exorbitant legal fees. In fact, you don't need a lawyer at all. All states allow "pro se" litigation, meaning you can file a divorce without a lawyer.
Though pro se rules and requirements differ from state to state, you can always file your divorce by yourself as long as you take the proper steps. Filing pro se means you won't have the aid of an experienced lawyer, so carefully balance your desires with the risks involved before you file as a pro se litigant.
Step 1
Research the legal requirements of your state. Pro se litigants must meet the legal requirements of their state like anyone else. Courts can't help you when you file or litigate your case, so it's up to you to make sure your divorce is legal. Contact your local county courthouse and ask if it has any resources available to pro se litigants, such as self-help packets, pro-se coordinators or a law library.
Step 2
Contact the civil court clerk's office. Your divorce is a law suit, and you must file it with the civil court clerk. Contact the clerk's office before filing and ask the office what you need. Typically, you need several copies of your divorce petition, a summons and a filing fee. However, you may also need financial statements, proposed support or custody orders and a host of other documents depending on where you live and the issues involved in your divorce.
Step 3
Draft your petition. Your divorce petition is the legal document in which you ask the court to dissolve your marriage. The petition--sometimes called a complaint--must contain all the required information, such as your name and the name of your spouse, the grounds upon which the divorce is based, and any requests for relief. You must usually verify the petition and its contents by having it notarized.
Step 4
File your divorce papers. After you've prepared your documents, you must file them with the civil court clerk's office. You must usually pay a filing fee when you file the papers, so call ahead and ask how much it is and what kind of payment method the court allows.
