What Are Divorce Papers And How Do You Get Them?

The divorce process is a long, often complicated journey that can at times seem almost impenetrable to anyone without a legal background. Even the terminology of the simplest things can be confusing and hard to decipher. For example, what are “divorce papers”, and how do you get them?
 

Petition For Divorce

The correct legal and technical name for divorce papers is a “petition for divorce”. This is the form that you or your spouse fills out to begin the divorce process. There are some advantages to being the person who files the petition for divorce, versus being the one who receives the divorce papers and can then respond.

Although it’s not required, the spouse that receives the divorce papers can file a legal response saying he or she agrees. Filing a response shows both parties agree to the divorce and makes it more likely the case will proceed without a court hearing.

Where To Get Divorce Papers

The best way to begin the divorce process and get divorce papers filed and sent to your spouse is to hire a reputable family law attorney who can evaluate your case and help you. While getting a divorce is very common legal process, every couple’s situation is different, and having the right attorney to guide you through it can make all the difference.

Your divorce attorney will help you fill out your divorce papers (or respond to the petition if your spouse filed them first), file them with the state court, and notify your spouse of your petition.
 

Online Divorce Papers

While using an attorney is by far the best way to file for divorce, there are some legal websites that allow users to download a petition for divorce and fill them out on their own. While it can seem tempting to save money by filling out your own divorce papers and filing them yourself, anyone without a legal background should proceed with extreme caution.

If you and your spouse have children, a home, valuables of any kind, investments, or a family business, then trying to navigate a divorce without a lawyer is a bad idea and could end up costing you far more than what a lawyer would have charged to do it correctly.