Going through a divorce can be an emotionally trying time. On top of that, there is a lot of paperwork and legal documents involved that can seem overwhelming. Having divorce papers sample templates can help make the process smoother. Here are some tips on where to find divorce papers samples and how to use them.
Look Online
The internet is a great resource for finding divorce papers samples and templates. Many legal sites provide downloadable forms and filings that you can use as a guide when completing your own paperwork. Some good places to find sample divorce documents include:
- LegalZoom – This legal services website provides a range of sample divorce papers including petitions for dissolution of marriage, separation agreements, and divorce decree forms. They also offer state-specific divorce papers for a fee.
- RocketLawyer – You can download sample divorce paperwork from RocketLawyer for free including divorce petitions, marital settlement agreements, and more. They also have a legal documentation library with over 3,000 legal forms.
- FindLegalForms – This site has free printable sample divorce forms and templates for all 50 states including sample divorce complaints, marital settlement agreements, custody agreements and more.
- DivorceWriter – Download free sample divorce forms and get automated help completing them accurately. They also offer state-specific online divorce paperwork preparation services.
When looking for sample divorce documents online, be sure to check if they are state-specific. Divorce laws can vary considerably between states so make sure any templates you use apply to your jurisdiction.
Contact the Court Clerk
Get divorce paper samples straight from the source by contacting the district court clerk’s office in the county where you plan to file. Many court clerk offices provide form templates or sample packets for divorce cases that comply with state laws.
These can include forms like summons, petitions for dissolution, marital settlement agreements, decrees of dissolution of marriage, and more. Often the court clerk will also have instructions or guides to help you complete the paperwork accurately.
Using the official court divorce forms ensures your paperwork will be accepted when you go to file. Just make sure to get the current versions, as divorce forms are frequently updated. There may be a small fee for the paperwork, around $5-25.
Hire an Attorney
Working with a divorce attorney is the best way to ensure your divorce documents are legally sound and properly filed. Many attorneys will provide clients with sample divorce paperwork so they know what to expect.
When you hire a divorce lawyer, at your initial consultation you can request to see samples of the types of forms that will need to be prepared and filed for your state and situation. This can include the petition for dissolution, asset division worksheet, marital settlement agreement, and any other required filings.
Reviewing these samples gives you an idea of the information you’ll need to gather and the process ahead. Your attorney will then use your specific details to draft your paperwork. An experienced divorce lawyer will know all the required forms and can ensure everything is done correctly.
Use Online Tools
You can also use DIY online divorce tools like 3StepDivorce and CompleteCase to generate your divorce papers. These sites ask you questions about your situation then automatically prepare your forms and filings based on your answers.
Before paying, you can usually get sample divorce documents created with your details so you can review if it’s something you want to pursue. Ensure the online divorce preparation service uses up-to-date forms for your jurisdiction. You’ll still need to print and file the forms yourself.
How to Use Divorce Papers Samples
When you get your hands on sample divorce forms, here are some tips on how to use them:
Read Carefully
Look over the divorce paperwork samples carefully, making sure you understand each section. This gives you a good idea of the types of details and information you need to gather to fill them out properly.
Pay attention to instructions and guidance notes that explain how to complete certain portions. You may need to adapt parts based on your unique situation.
Fill in Blanks
Use the sample as a master form, filling in the blanks with your personal details. Things like names, addresses, dates of birth, date of marriage, and other specifics need to be completed.
Only fill out the parts of the form that apply to your case. Cross out or delete any sections that don’t fit your situation.
Double Check Details
Carefully review everything you inputted into the sample paperwork to verify it is accurate and consistent across forms. Even small mistakes can cause filing delays or other issues.
Make sure things like financial details, property division, and child custody arrangements are aligned with your intentions. Have a trusted friend or lawyer review.
Adapt Language
For portions like the petition or separation agreement, the language should be adapted to fit your circumstances. While keeping the same structure, tailor the wording to reflect your specific situation.
You or your lawyer can revise the sample divorce document text as needed to work for your case. Just maintain the same style and formatting.
Add Missing Forms
Your divorce may require specialized forms not in the sample packet you obtained. For example, you may need to include business asset division spreadsheets, domestic violence paperwork, or other additional filings.
Work with your lawyer to identify any extra documentation you’ll need. They can provide samples or help you create any missing divorce documents required.
Stay Organized
Keep your completed sample divorce paperwork organized into a notebook or digital folder. This keeps all your forms, documents, and details in one place for easy reference as you finalize details with your lawyer and get ready to file.
Be sure to make copies or digital backups of your important sample paperwork before filing in case anything gets lost. Having organized records also helps if you need to provide documentation later on.
Divorce Paperwork Checklist
Here is a general checklist of divorce documents you’ll likely need samples and templates for:
- Petition (or Complaint) for Dissolution of Marriage – This initial form starts the divorce process. It states you want a divorce and sets out basic details.
- Summons – Officially notify your spouse that divorce papers have been filed.
- Schedule of Assets and Debts – Details property, assets, debts and liabilities you and your spouse accumulated during marriage.
- Child Custody and Support Affidavit – Covers child custody arrangements and support calculations.
- Certificate of Divorce, Dissolution, or Annulment – Provides official notice of restored single status once the divorce is finalized.
- Marital Settlement Agreement – Spells out how property, assets, debts, and child custody are divided.
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage/Divorce Decree – Final order legally granting the divorce.
- Any other needed documentation eg. temporary orders, financial statements, witness affidavits etc.
Look to sample divorce forms and templates to guide you through compiling and preparing what you need for your state and situation.