Start a divorce case

To start a divorce or legal separation, you must:

  1. Fill out and file your court forms

  2. Serve your spouse or partner a copy of the filed forms

This page gives you an overview of each step and links to more help.

 

Jump to section:

️ Do not follow these steps if you're filing a joint petition for divorce or legal separation or a joint summary dissolution. Visit those pages instead for more information.

Step 1: Fill out and file forms

To start your case, you’ll fill out court forms that ask for basic information like:

  • Your name and your spouse’s name

  • The date you were married or registered your domestic partnership

  • If you want a divorce or legal separation

  • If you want child custody, support, or property decisions

After you fill them out:

  • You file them with the court
  • You pay a filing fee, or ask for a fee waiver
  • You get copies to serve the other person

You can file in person or by mail. You may also be able to file online.

Fill out and file your divorce forms

Step 2: Serve the other person

Once your forms are filed, you must serve your spouse or partner a copy.

️ You can’t serve the papers yourself. Someone else—like a friend, relative, or process server—must hand them the forms.

This step has strict rules. The court can’t move forward with your case until it’s done correctly.

Serve your divorce papers

Get help

You can get free help from your court's self-help center ️. They can help you fill out forms, explain the process, and answer questions.

Use this free online workshop to figure out your next steps in your divorce.