Divorce On Your Own: How To Do It
Divorce is often stressful enough without having to worry about the cost of a divorce lawyer. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of petitioning for a divorce without a lawyer, but in many states you can file for divorce on your own. California is one of the states that offers the option to file for divorce without a lawyer. If you live in a state where divorce laws are more complicated, you may still be able to file for divorce without a lawyer. The following advice can point you in the right direction.
How to Begin Your Search for a Divorce Lawyer
Before you call a lawyer, you should take some time to find out if the state law where you live allows you to file for your own divorce. If you do live in a state where you can petition your divorce without a lawyer, you need to find out which forms your state requires. You can find these on the Internet, or at your local courthouse. Many states now allow for you to submit your petitions using an online service that they provide. This saves you the hassle of taking the forms to the court in person, and you can file the petition for divorce without a lawyer. After you have submitted your divorce petition documents, you will receive an acknowledgement and hearing date from the court clerk.
If you live in a state that allows you to file for a divorce without a lawyer, you are less likely to receive a notification to appear in court. If you and your spouse both agree to file an uncontested divorce petition, the chances are very high you will not have to appear in court before a judge.
If you and your partner are in the military, it might be a better choice to file for your divorce with the assistance of a laywer. A divorce involving one or both spouses who are in the military involves additional paperwork. Divorces involving people who are actively serving in the military can become complicated, and there are many legal issues to contend with that add stress to your life. In this case, you should hire a lawyer who is an expert in military divorces.