Divorce Papers – What You Need

Every body knows divorce is expensive, particularly if children and multiple properties and assets are involved.  Some people, with or without any legal background, file their own divorce papers in order to save money.  Usually, a person getting divorce hires a lawyer to represent him or herself and do the dirty work. 
 If you file your own divorce paper, you eliminate the middle man.  The main reason why divorce is so expensive is because of lawyer fees; take away the lawyer and you’ll save a lot of money.  However, this would only work if both you and your spouse can find it in yourselves to work on the same page.  A mutual decision between every aspect of your divorce must be agreed upon.  This article will tell you what you need and how to file divorce papers on your own.

•  Familiarize yourself with the requirements for divorce in your state; each state has its own stipulation.  To save time and energy, you can always search for information in the Internet. Generally, you will need to file the following forms:

• Divorce Petitions – states the reason for seeking divorce and your demands. It should also contain information about your residency; you need to have lived in the state for a definite amount of years before your petition is to be considered.

• Alimony and Child Support/Custody – If applicable, you must fill up forms for these demands.  For alimony, you will need to fill up a form which contains a list of expenses and source of income.  For child support or custody, you will need to propose the arrangement you and your spouse have decided upon.

• Financial Documents – This includes tax returns, bank account information, investment documents, debts, mortgages, loans etc. within the previous three to five years.  During this time, it is wise to take care of any joint accounts you had as a couple.

• Get divorce forms.  These can be obtained through an attorney, office supplies stores; you can even download divorce papers online.  If you want to get your divorce papers in the Internet, be sure to download the forms specific in your state.

• Fill out these forms.  You and your spouse should be on the same page; Most, if not every, issue should have been worked out prior to this point to make things quicker.  This is phase will decide whether you can file divorce papers on your own or if you need lawyers to act as mediators.   You should also agree on which of you will file the divorce papers.

• File the divorce papers.  If you don’t know where and how many copies you should bring, give your county office a ring or check it out online.  This could take longer that you’d expect so don’t make any other plans on the same day you’re supposed to file your divorce papers.  Prepare some cash because there is usually a filing fee.  If you have any questions such as how long you’ll have to wait before your divorce gets finalized, ask the clerk in the office.