Free Divorce Forms: your Checklist

When filing for a divorce you need to fill out papers for legal settlement. There are several free divorce forms available today. Divorce forms can either be for a fault or no-fault divorce, and can involve other related forms.

The modern practice in the U.S. now allows for no-fault divorces. In the past, the court only allowed spouses to divorce in the occurrence of a liability incurred by either party. Divorce was not permitted on reasons that had no grounds, such as non-existing evidence of disloyalty, adultery or domestic abuse.

A no-fault divorce does not require spouses to have to state particular reasons to push through with their divorce. They can obtain free divorce forms any time they feel the need to end their marriage. A no-fault divorce requires no evidentiary proceedings and either party can request for a divorce whether the other agrees to it or not.

If you are looking for a free divorce form, there are things you need to consider. Free divorce forms usually do not come in highly designed packages that contain tutorials in comparison to those that you need to pay for. Thus, it is always a good idea to familiarize with the aspects and requirements involved in filing for divorce while discussing these with a legal professional.

For fault or no-fault divorce, here is some important information you need to file or can add to your checklist when discussing with your attorney:

· R408 Form
· Complaint for divorce
· Copy (certified) of Marriage Certificate.
· Financial statement
· Affidavit disclosing child custody

Take note:

· A period of time to answer a file is always given to the defendant, which can be 20 days.
· A file for divorce can take up to 6 months to process, especially for no-fault divorce.
· Filing for divorce may incur fees.
· You can obtain free divorce forms online.
· Forms that are printed out (especially online free divorce forms) are sometimes required to be printed on a particular type of paper with a particular color. Little details like these are vital if you want court proceedings or the divorce process to go smoothly. You can consult a legal professional about this or view some samples beforehand.

Here are other related forms that you might want to discuss with your attorney:

· A Separation Agreement that includes details on custody, child support and property (must be signed by both parties)
· A spreadsheet detailing Child Support Guidelines
· An Affidavit of Indigence
· Forms for divorce with children involved: Child Support Guidelines and PACT program (Parents and Children in Transition)
· Trial Request
· Marital settlement agreement with minor children forms
· Marital settlement agreement with no children forms.

The information provided is only a guideline and should not be taken as legal advice. Any information you use while filing a divorce can be used counteractively in court. It is always best to consult an attorney or legal specialist before filling, signing and submitting forms.