Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

• Residency Requirements: Ensure you meet your state’s residency requirements to file for divorce there.
• Grounds for Divorce: Determine whether you are filing for a no-fault or fault divorce based on your state’s laws.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Information

• Collect essential documents and information, including:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Financial statements (income, debts, assets)
  • Child custody arrangements (if applicable)
  • Any prior agreements (e.g., prenuptial agreements)

Step 3: Choose an Online Divorce Service

• Research and select a reputable online divorce service. Popular options include:
  • LegalZoom
  • Rocket Lawyer
  • CompleteCase
• Check reviews and ensure the service is available in your state.

Step 4: Create an Account

• Sign up for the chosen online service.
• Provide your email and create a password to access your account.

Step 5: Complete the Online Questionnaire

• Fill out the required questionnaire, which typically includes:
  • Personal information (names, addresses, etc.)
  • Details about your marriage (date, location, children)
  • Specifics about assets and debts
• Review your answers for accuracy.

Step 6: Review and Customize Documents

• The service will generate necessary legal documents based on your input.
• Carefully review these documents. Some services allow you to customize agreements, especially concerning asset division and custody.

Step 7: Pay Filing Fees

• Most online divorce services charge a fee for processing documents. Be prepared to pay using a credit card or other payment methods.
• Check for any additional state filing fees that may be required when submitting your documents to the court.

Step 8: Print and Sign Documents

• After reviewing, print the finalized documents.
• Sign where required, ensuring that both parties sign if necessary (especially for mutual agreements).

Step 9: File Your Documents with the Court

• Locate your local court’s website for filing instructions.
• You may need to file in person or submit your documents via mail or e-filing, depending on your jurisdiction.
• Pay any required court filing fees.

Step 10: Serve Your Spouse

• If you are filing for a contested divorce, you’ll need to serve your spouse with copies of the divorce papers. This can often be done via:
  • Certified mail
  • Process server
  • Personal delivery (if agreed upon)
• Ensure you follow your state’s legal requirements for serving divorce papers.

Step 11: Wait for Response

• After serving your spouse, wait for their response. They typically have a specified time (usually 30 days) to reply.
• If they agree to the terms, the process may move more quickly. If not, further negotiations or court hearings may be necessary.

Step 12: Finalize the Divorce

• If everything is agreed upon, you may need to attend a final hearing to finalize the divorce.
• The court will issue a divorce decree, officially ending your marriage.