Gather information and documents (names, addresses, date of marriage, separation date, children’s details, income/expenses, assets, debts)
Choose the divorce type (contested or uncontested; with or without children; fault or no-fault where applicable)
Confirm eligibility and residency requirements for your state/country
Determine the filing county (usually where one spouse lives)
Complete the required court forms (petition/application, summons, financial disclosures, parenting plan/child support forms if applicable)
Decide on the filing approach (file jointly if uncontested; file separately if contested)
Draft a separation agreement or settlement terms (property division, debt allocation, custody/visitation, child support, spousal support, health insurance, attorney fees)
File the forms with the court clerk and pay the filing fee (or request a fee waiver)
Serve the divorce papers on the other spouse according to local rules (personal service, process server, sheriff, or permitted alternative service)
File proof of service with the court
Respond to any motions or deadlines if you are the respondent (answer/response, financial disclosures, required disclosures)
Attend required hearings (initial status conference, temporary orders hearing, mediation, trial)
Follow court orders and temporary orders (support, custody schedules, asset protections)
Complete mandatory mediation/case management steps if required
Submit final financial disclosures and proposed orders/settlement documents
If uncontested: request final judgment once all paperwork is complete and any required waiting period ends
If contested: proceed to trial and present evidence and witnesses as required by court rules
Attend the final hearing (or submit final documents if your court allows submission-based judgments)
Obtain the signed divorce decree/judgment
Review the decree for custody, support, property, and debt terms
Update legal and administrative items after the divorce (name change, beneficiaries, insurance, wills, bank accounts, titles, leases)