The process of divorce requires filling out numerous forms and submitting them to a local court. It is essential to fill out every form accurately and fully before submission. That helps to ensure the judge has all the details needed to grant a divorce. The process of filling out the necessary documents shouldn’t be complicated, particularly with the help of a Tacoma Divorce Attorney.
What Forms Are Required for Divorce?
The documents you require for your divorce will depend on the state you reside in. Every state has its own laws relating to divorce and mandatory paperwork. The required documents may include a petition, child custody, complaint, proof of service, and parenting plan. In some states, a cover sheet should be included with the divorce papers.
You need to check with the local court to determine which papers apply to you. Most county court websites make the process easier by providing a self-help page where you can access the necessary documents.
How to Fill Out Divorce Papers
Every divorce form entails a set of instructions that guide you through the document. Read the instructions carefully, so that you have all you require and do not overlook anything.
Given that you don’t understand some terms, ensure you check with your lawyer to know what they mean. Answer every question on the divorce forms accurately, because the paperwork will be submitted to the court.
After filling out all the necessary forms, you should:
- Serve them on your spouse to give notice of the divorce
- Officially submit them to the court
Submitting Divorce Papers
All divorce forms should be printed, filled out fully, signed, and filed with a local court. Again, how you submit your divorce papers will depend on the county you live in. Depending on your county laws, you can submit the forms in person, online, or through the mail.
Usually, a fee is needed to submit the paperwork. That should be paid at the same time you’re handing in the papers. If you cannot afford the fee for any reason whatsoever, you can ask the court for a waiver.
Getting Assistance with Filling out Divorce Forms
If you don’t know how to fill out divorce papers, you can seek help from others. Working with an attorney during the divorce process is crucial. Lawyers have the skills needed to deal with divorce matters. The attorney will help ensure no details are overlooked and all the necessary information is submitted on time.
A lot of courts also provide self-help centers where you walk in and get assistance in filling out your divorce forms. That is a worthwhile option if you can’t afford to hire a lawyer or just need answers to a few questions.
- Other law courts offer online video tutorials on how to fill out divorce papers. Some even provide an automated divorce interview that fills out the paperwork automatically after you give the necessary details.
If you don’t need assistance with completing divorce forms and opt to handle them yourself, be sure to get the right papers. Also, take the time required to fill them out fully. Do not rush to fill out the paperwork when you are doing something else. Set aside some quiet time to read through the instructions and fill out all the necessary details carefully.