How To File For A Divorce

There may be many reasons why you may think its best to dissolve your marriage and move ahead with a divorce. Whether this would give you a sense of relief or doom would only depend on each situation.

How do you file for a divorce? It would be better to gain knowledge of how to go about it. You may take the drastic measure of ending your marriage either mutually or alone. For a mutual divorce you usually file for a ‘no-fault divorce’ but, a grounds divorce may be filed for by you if you feel that one among the two of you is solely responsible for your marriage crumbling down. But, more importantly it is essential to consult a lawyer at least once during the entire process even if it is a no-fault divorce.

Secondly, you need to find out where exactly you have to file your petition for a divorce i.e. whether it would be within the circuit or with a superior court in your area/ district. If you have no idea about it you could probably call your local court house and enquire. Sometimes you may be referred to the family court which deals in such matters in some states while in some others the local court itself may be capable of providing you with the required information.

Next, you would have to decide who would file the petition amongst the two of you. Incase of a mutual divorce any one of you could go ahead with it. While in case of a grounds divorce, the one seeking a divorce will file the petition. You may have to decide on factors like the division of assets, debts, alimony, custody and support of your children, if any. Lastly, it is important that you maintain a proof that the copy of the divorce were sent and received by your ex-spouse or his/her lawyer. This is also known as the service of process.

A ‘divorce’ is a big decision, which will have a major effect on the lives of your children, family and you most of all. It would even involve your friends. You may feel the need to speak and let your heart out but do so only in an appropriate atmosphere.