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Divorce For Dummies


It’s not like anyone can just walk into the courthouse and get a divorce petition going, although many wish it could be that easy. There are important steps to take, requirements to consider, and above all the right reasons for it.

How to Get a Divorce in the United States

Know that each state has its own divorce laws. Some are similar; some are remarkably different. But it’s important to know them. Furthermore, know each of these requirements, the first one being….

1. Residency

In other words, in many states, you or your spouse would have to be a resident of the state – and in some states, even the county where you’re petitioning – in order to file for divorce. That’s Divorce for Dummies 101. You show up at the family court and file for a petition and say that you just moved to, for example, Virginia, you’re out of luck.

Also bear in mind that a divorce for dummies will include a major explanation in that you can’t obtain a divorce where you were originally married (if in another county or state). You have  to obtain the divorce from where you currently live. But you better be living there for that required amount of time.

Furthermore, you will need….

2. Signatures

That’s a no-brainer, really. The petition can’t be filed unless both you and your spouse have signed the document. It’s not legally binding without those signatures. This, of course, may mean that you actually have to show up face-to-face with your spouse and have him or her sign the papers.

For some, that may be a pain in the neck – but if the divorce is definitely desired, you may need to endure some hardships to make it happen.

And the next requirement in a divorce for dummies is to consider this important fact:

3. Length of Separation

This applies to certain states. Believe it or not, some states require that you be completely separated from your spouse for a certain amount of time before filing. This means establishing completely new means to provide housing for yourself, or if you’re insisting on keeping the house or apartment you live in, your spouse must find a place of his or her own pronto.

This also includes making sure that all the property (if it matters that much to you and/or your spouse) has been distributed, money allocated to account for additional expenses in another household to maintain – such as food, toiletries, and other necessities – and maybe even bank accounts closed and new accounts opened. Depending on the state you live in, that can be a lot of work. And for a divorce for dummies, that’s not even the major work! Wait until the actual petition has been filed….

From There, It’s All Downhill

Just make sure when dealing with a divorce for dummies that you’ve taken into account everything from child custody and support (if applicable) to even alimony (which may be possible. Social security numbers, addresses, work addresses, phone numbers: they’re crucial in the petition. Or else it’s one big headache.

At the end of it all, the petition should move along quite smoothly. Just as long as you’ve covered all the bases.

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