Filing for divorce can be an emotional process, but it can also give you the power of self-determination and self-assurance. Filing early can give you more time to prepare for the process, since you’ll have 20 days to respond to your spouse’s petition. During that time, you can gather any financial records and account numbers to support your case for custody. You can even prepare for a financial battle beforehand, so that you’re prepared for whatever may come your way.
Aside from physical abuse, there are other grounds for filing for divorce. For instance, if you’ve been exposed to alcohol or drugs, or if your spouse has made you physically or emotionally unstable, you could use these grounds to get a divorce. The key to success is to be as objective as possible and document the entire process carefully. If you can’t agree with your spouse, consider consulting with a divorce attorney first. He or she will know the best grounds to use to make your case.
Some couples file for divorce because their spouse committed adultery. However, this situation often occurs before the divorce. If your spouse was having an affair before filing for divorce, courts may question whether or not the division of assets is fair. In such cases, they may award a larger share to the spouse who did the wrong. So, be prepared to wait a long time to get your divorce. It will make things more complicated. You may also need to file a restraining order to protect yourself.
The petitioning spouse will file a Complaint for Divorce with the court. The Complaint for Divorce states what he wants in the divorce. However, it’s important to remember that divorce is a negotiation process, and you don’t want to ask for too much. Too much information will make your spouse overly reactive and refuse to negotiate. You may end up being sued and facing the possibility of bankruptcy.
When the petition is filed, you should mail copies to your spouse. You should also complete the Certificate of Service section. You can find this information on your Answer or Counter-Complaint form. You can also watch the video above to learn more about these steps. If you are unable to complete these steps in time, you should contact the clerk of your district court to help you prepare. The clerk will be able to help you with your paperwork.
The spouses must agree on the divorce. They can agree to it or contest it. You can apply as a poor person if you cannot afford to pay for the divorce. In some cases, you may not have to pay the filing fee. But if your spouse disagrees with the papers, you can file a Complaint for Dissolution based on your finances. It’s a legal requirement, so if you’re not financially stable, you can consider this option.
Residency requirements vary by state. Most states have residency requirements that prevent spouses from filing in a state that has less favorable laws. In Michigan, for example, filing for divorce requires you to live in the state for at least 180 days and in the county where you filed. However, if you live in a state without residency requirements, you can still file in your state of choice. You can also file in a different county or state depending on the needs of your children.
Divorce laws also have laws on the division of assets. While you cannot find your spouse, you can still file for a divorce. You can prove that you have searched for your spouse diligently before filing for divorce. In this case, you can also submit an affidavit of diligence. You must also ask permission to serve your spouse if you cannot serve him or her. This can be a very complicated process. When you decide to file for divorce, you should consult an attorney who specializes in family law. It will be a great help for you and your children.
Filing for divorce should be done only when you are ready to handle the legal issues. If you are going to file for divorce, you should have your financial situation in mind before you begin the legal process. Start saving for your future and secure a line of credit. If possible, open a new credit card in your name. While you’re going through this difficult period, your financial future should be your top priority. In addition to financial planning, you should also seek legal assistance, especially early on.