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.

 

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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.