What Are Divorce Filing Forms?

Divorce filing forms or divorce papers are part of thewill be filed in court is the name and address of the
litigation process when two people decide to dissolvejurisdiction, the names of the parties involved in the
their marriage. Either the litigants can file the papers orcase, and a case number for future court reference.
if they use a lawyer he/she can file the papers.These comprise the "captions," or upper portion of the
Any type of legal document will have certainfirst page.
standards, especially when it comes to divorce lawsThere is a section called a "notary clause" in these
for your state or county. Seeking the advice of anlegal documents, which is a sworn statement by a
attorney will help you in outlining all the things you desirenotary public that the filing individual are who they claim
from equity gained in your marriage, including anyto be. When an individual signs a notarized document,
property or personal belongings, and child custody.they must provide physical proof and swear in front of
Each state or country has their own guidelines when itwitnesses about their identity.
comes to divorce filing forms. Before you can proceedIn some instances, someone other than a lawyer may
with filling out any legal documents, it is wise to get thehelp you fill out a legal form. There are new stipulations
forms from your government office.in the papers that requires non-lawyers to disclose
There are also web sites that offer divorce filing formsthemselves to the court so the legal system will know
online, but be careful and always double check with anwho was involved in filling out the papers.
attorney to ensure their validity. Once you have theThe Federal government requires individual states to
papers, your next step should be figuring out whatdictate and supply their own forms regarding child
your priorities are for the divorce proceeding.custody laws. It is important that you obtain the correct
This will involve listing the assets you want to take withforms before filing for divorce. The type of custody
you, who will be seeking custody of any childrenlaw you should follow will be determined by your own
involved, and how health insurance and taxation issuessituation.
will be dealt with during the divorce. This will take someIn instances where child custody will be a pressing
time for contemplation, and your lawyer can guide youissue throughout the divorce, it could be worth your
through the process. By divulging your goals and lettingwhile to seek counsel from a child support lawyer,
your lawyer know exactly what you want, he or shesince the majority of battles over child custody revolve
will be in a better positioning to bargain for youraround income levels of the custodial parents. When
concessions.considering how to apply for child custody, the
Once you have divided up and listed the assets youdivorcing parents must come to an agreement on
want, then you will begin the process of filling outwhether or not joint legal custody, joint physical
divorce filing forms. These documents have a basiccustody or sole custody will be sought. Once the
outline, and will have variations when you reach thecustody litigation is understood, divorce proceedings
child custody laws. Having a knowledgeable lawyer iscan continue to the next level.
extremely important to be sure the information isBe completely honest with your lawyer and be sure all
correct and concise as with any legal action that isyour demands are written down and legally
dictated by the laws and requirements of the state ordocumented in your divorce filing forms. The worst
country.thing that happens is for surprises that come out in this
A lawyer will also help you obtain the correctprocedure. If your attorney is equipped with truthful
documents if your particular jurisdiction has their ownknowledge they will be ready and able to handle
variations. The first part of these legal documents thatproblems when they rise.