Once you have prepared your petition you need to sign it before a notary public then make three copies of it. There are other forms that most courts require to be filed at the same time as your Petition including a summons, a notices about health insurance, a notice about third party creditors, a confidential sensitive data sheet and maybe some others. Refer to the website for the county you are filing in to see what you need in addition to the petition. The website should also tell you how many copies of each document you need to make.
Divorce doesn't come free. There will be a filing fee. The website will tell you how much it will cost to file for divorce. It will be somewhere over $200. This will be just the first of many filing fees in your divorce. If you feel you cannot afford this fee and others you can request a fee waiver. The form may be on line but will definitely be available at the clerks office. It requires the submission of supporting financial documentation. The request is reviewed by a judge very quickly.
When you have all of your documents prepared, copied and organized go to the clerks office at your local courthouse. Give everything to the clerk and pay your fee. The clerk will put various stamps on the originals and copies and keep what the court needs. The rest will be returned to you for our own records and to be used to serve on your spouse.
And remember...
While you may find helpful insights or bits of information in this blog as it progresses, keep in mind that this is only being provided as general information to help you and others get started in this process. My first and best advice is to consult a lawyer knowledgeable in the area of family law. This is the only way to truly obtain advice directly pertinent to your situation. I am available for consultation by calling (928) 458-5026 to schedule an appointment.
