Divorce papers, especially perhaps the final decree, mark the end of the marriage that the wedding certificate began. The particulars of divorce law in America vary from state to state. Some divorce papers are common to all 50 states, even if the procedure surrounding them varies somewhat. Not all of these divorce papers will necessarily be used. It is, however, better to be aware of and familiar with the most common of them.

Typical Divorce Papers

If yours is a no-fault divorce, you may want to prepare and file the necessary divorce papers yourself. You might also opt for an attorney or a divorce service center to take care of proper and timely filing. The choice, however, is clearly yours, a matter of your priorities and comfort zone. You can also have online legal resources fill out the paperwork for you, based on information that you report to them. This is often the most convenient option.

The petition for divorce, which starts the flow of divorce papers regardless of the type of divorce, either alleges wrongdoing or irreconcilable differences. A separation agreement between spouses sets financial arrangements, child custody and visitation, and residence of the marital home until the divorce is finalized. An acceptance of service is the acknowledgment by one spouse that the petition from the other has been received. A decree of dissolution of marriage is usually the final document.

Additional documents will vary more from state to state. Not all are used by every state. These include but are certainly not limited to financial affidavits, affidavits concerning children, marital settlement agreements, judgments of divorce nisi, and requests for trial.