Getting Help Filling Out a Divorce Application

There is more to a divorce application than just picking it up in the courthouse, paying the fee and filing the petition. It is important for anyone wishing to file a divorce without benefit of a lawyer to understand not only where to obtain a divorce application but also how to fill it out. While you may certainly obtain some help filling out the divorce application from the court clerks, they are not there for that purpose. Their purpose is only to verify that all of the information is on the application and that you include any supporting documentation that is necessary. rnAnother way to complete a divorce application is to locate those websites online that provide assistance for a small fee. These websites allow you to download the divorce application forms you need for your particular state including all the ancillaries you need for your petition including: • Alimony or spousal supportrn• Child supportrn• Visitationrn• Custodyrn• Division of propertyrnYou will be able to fill out everything you need including the actual terms of the divorce including assignment of debts and who will pay for the divorce. While it is still a good idea to consult with a divorce lawyer, being able to fill out the divorce application and file it in court can save you a great deal of money. Even if you choose to hire a lawyer to represent you in court, the fact that you have so much of the divorce application already prepared will save billable hours with a lawyer who charges for every document he or she prepares for you. rnYou can also use the full services of a divorce lawyer who will fill out the divorce application on your behalf. It is important to keep in mind that divorce lawyers charge by the hour, so every bit of time the lawyer and his or her staff spend working on your case means a higher fee. While there may be good reasons for hiring a divorce lawyer, you can certainly save some time and money if you are able to obtain the application and at least begin the process before you meet with your lawyer for the first time. rnFilling out a divorce application is no easy task and may not be something everyone contemplating divorce is capable of handling. In addition to the divorce application there are is a substantial amount of paperwork that is required in order to determine the way the marital assets will be divided. This is especially important when it involves a spouse that has remained home with the children up until the time of the divorce because this may involve temporary support to allow the spouse to return to school to obtain skills necessary for gainful employment. rnThe divorce application is likely to be the most difficult part of the divorce process because it requires the petitioner to provide much information that he or she may not know at the time of the application. However, a divorce application checklist will help the petitioner provide everything necessary for filing the petition and requisitioning an equitable settlement.