You possess the right to pursue a divorce case with or without legal representation. If you elect to pursue a marriage termination without a lawyer, you must familiarize yourself with how to fill out divorce papers. Despite some minor differences in divorce law and procedure from one state to another, the forms or papers used in divorce proceedings largely are the same no matter where you reside, according to "The Complete Divorce Handbook: A Practical Guide" by Brette McWhorter Sember.
Step 1
Obtain a copy of your state's divorce statutes. Download this information from the website maintained by your state legislature or the site of the American Bar Association.
Step 2
Go to the clerk of the court in the county where you reside. Request the forms you require to initiate and pursue a divorce case. The typical court clerk maintains a form packet for people not represented by lawyers in divorce cases. These packets include appropriate instructions.
Step 3
Complete the divorce petition form, or divorce complaint form. Follow the instructions provided by the clerk.
Step 4
Insert basic information about you and your spouse, including current addresses. You also add the date and location of your marriage.
Step 5
Add information about the names, dates of birth and current locations of your children onto the divorce papers.
Step 6
Sign the divorce papers or petition in front of a notary public. The document contains what is known as a verification. The verification is a statement that you executed the divorce papers on your oath, meaning the information you provided is true and correct. A notary certifies this verification.
Things You'll Need
- Divorce statutes
- Divorce forms
References
- "The Complete Divorce Handbook: A Practical Guide"; Brette McWhorter Sember; 2009
- Cornell University Law School: Divorce Overview
- "Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce"; Emily Doskow; 2008
