How to Get Free Divorce Papers

By Lisa Magloff

Frustrated businessman with laptop computer

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An uncontested divorce is one is which both partners agree on all of the aspects of the divorce, such as the grounds for divorce, settlement arrangements and custody agreements. You may be able to complete an uncontested divorce without an attorney to save on legal fees. To begin an uncontested divorce, one partner needs to fill out the Petition of Divorce and other forms. The first step is to get free copies of these forms.

Visit the county clerk's office in the county court building in the county where you live. The clerk can provide you with a divorce packet containing all the papers needed for your divorce.

Download a free divorce packet from the website of your local county court if available. You sometimes can also find these forms on the website of your state government or state court system. For example, you can download all California divorce papers from the California Courts website.

Contact your local legal aid society. Most legal aid offices can provide you with information on how to obtain free divorce packets. Some can also supply you with divorce packets. Further, you can download free divorce packets from many state legal aid society websites.

Ask your state law library for free divorce packets. Many state law libraries can supply you with divorce packets, or you can download the forms for free from the law library website.

Tips

If you divorce is contested, or you feel uncomfortable proceeding without an attorney, your state's legal aid office can help you find free or low-cost legal aid programs in your community.

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