Divorce

Are DIY divorce papers helpful?

Divorce may be a complicated period in your life, but it doesn’t have to be unpleasant, expensive, or difficult to file for divorce. Many states provide free online do-it-yourself divorce paperwork. You may fill these out at your own leisure if you download them.

It’s advisable to have an attorney evaluate the documents and defend you in court. Still, with Diy divorce papers, you have the choice of deciding whether or not you are comfortable doing them yourself, which saves money.

How to Begin a Divorce Using Do-It-Yourself Papers

Knowing where to acquire divorce paperwork is part of preparing for your divorce. For DIY divorce papers, go to your state’s court website. Many states have these divorce forms available online, and some will allow you to file an online divorce.

Pros of DIY divorce:

  • It might be faster. The DIY divorce may be the way to go if you and your spouse agree on everything, including property distribution, child parenting time and legal decision-making power, child support, and spousal support (alimony), and you want a cheap, quick solution.

  • It might save you money. At first, appearance, saving money appears to be a potential benefit of a DIY divorce. Although the court’s obligatory filing expenses cannot be avoided, a do-it-yourself divorce will initially prevent, or at least considerably decrease, the upfront legal fees for engaging a counsel.

How to File Divorce Papers on Your Own

  • Determine which court to submit your case in. If you’re unsure, contact the county clerk.
  • Check with the county clerk or an attorney to discover if you fulfill the residence requirements of your state. Many states need six months of residence, while some demand one year or more. Some states compel couples to live apart for a year.
  • Complete the divorce documents. A summons, petition, or complaint is frequently included in these papers. List the reasons for divorce that are permissible under your state’s laws.
  • In the presence of a notary public, sign the petition.
  • Make duplicate copies of the papers. Make a duplicate for yourself, one for your husband, and save the original for the court.
  • Bring the documents to the county clerk’s office and pay the filing fee.
  • The clerk will stamp the duplicates while keeping the original.
  • Complete the remaining divorce paperwork, which may include a divorce decree or judgment, financial statement, child support worksheet, affidavit, a notice of hearing or request to schedule the case, and a few more forms. These are generally included in the DIY divorce paperwork.
  • The court will notify you of your court date once the matter is on schedule. Appear in court on that date and at the appointed hour. The judge will not be waiting for you.
  • Once the divorce is granted by a court, obtain certified copies of the divorce decree or judgment from the county clerk’s office.

Conclusion:

When things go well, DIY projects may be quite rewarding and a DIY divorce filing is no exception. However, there are some tasks that should be handled by a professional. If you want to obtain a divorce but don’t want to pay an attorney, you should at least have an attorney examine your paperwork before filing.

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