Reach an agreement or go to trial
To finish your divorce or legal separation, you must decide:
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how to divide your property and debts
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if anyone will pay spousal support
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how you’ll care for and support your children (if you have them)
There are three main paths:
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your spouse didn’t respond (default)
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you and your spouse reach an agreement
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you can’t agree and a judge decides at a hearing or trial
These steps are the same for divorce and legal separation.
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Options to finish
If your spouse didn’t respond (default)
If your spouse didn’t file a Response and you don’t have an agreement, you can ask for what you want in writing. A judge must still approve it.
Next step: Learn how to finalize your divorce if your spouse didn't respond
📌 Tip: You can move ahead to your final paperwork now.
Try to reach an agreement
You don’t have to meet in person. You can talk by phone or email, or get help from a mediator.
When you agree, you must write it down.
Next step: Learn different ways to reach an agreement
If you can’t agree: ask the court to decide
If you can’t agree on some or all issues, you can ask the court to decide. You may get a few chances to settle first. If you still can’t agree, you’ll have a trial and a judge will decide.
Next step: Learn how to ask for and what happens in a divorce trial
⚠️ Important: Trials take time. Be sure you understand what proof you’ll need.
Ask for temporary orders (before you finish)
If you need help now—like spousal support, child support, or a custody schedule—you can ask for a temporary order. This is a short-term decision while your case is active.
Next step: Ask the judge for a temporary order