When you research how to divorce without a lawyer, the websites make it sound like every divorce case falls into one of two categories. At one extreme is the Instagrammable “conscious uncoupling,” where there is zero conflict and you and your spouse do not need any outside help. At the other extreme are the couples who are mortal enemies. Mom wants to homeschool the kids and shield them from worldly influences, but Dad wants to move them out of California and send them to a public school where the teachers include their pronouns in their email signatures. The vast majority of real-life divorce somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. Although all divorce cases start out with the filing of a divorce petition, sometimes the complexity or level of conflict in your case changes as the case progresses. If things start out amicably, but your divorce gets messier after you file the initial divorce petition, it does not necessarily mean that you need a lawyer. Even if your divorce changes course after the initial filing of the divorce petition, having a California non-attorney legal document assistant prepare your divorce documents is still the most cost-effective choice.
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…or continue reading the article below to learn more about what is a divorce petition.
It Starts with a Divorce Petition
In California, the divorce petition is Form FL-100. It is the first document that you must file when you get divorced; it is what gets your divorce started. Typically, you attach a Summons (Form FL-110) to your divorce petition, plus an additional form if you have minor children. The divorce petition includes your name and that of your spouse, as well as the date you married and the date that you separated. It also includes a list of specific requests about the terms of your divorce. These requests relate to the marital home, division of assets and debts, and parenting time with your children. After you serve your spouse with a copy of the divorce petition, your spouse has the opportunity to file a response with their own requests. If your spouse does not file a response within one month, it is an uncontested divorce, and your spouse loses the opportunity to file a response and disagree with your requests.
Amending Your Divorce Petition
It is possible to amend your divorce petition after the initial filing. Most amendments happen because the filing spouse made an error on the initial petition or because the parties found out additional relevant information about the value of their marital assets and debts after they originally filed the petition. You can also amend the petition if, after filing it, you change your mind about your requests. There are two ways to amend a divorce petition in California. The first way is simply to file a new Form FL-100 and to check the “amended” box on the first page. The other way is to file a motion to amend your divorce petition.
A Legal Document Assistant Makes Filing a Divorce Petition Painless
A non-attorney legal document assistant is the best person to prepare your initial or amended divorce petition. Contact A People’s Choice to get your divorce petition and other divorce documents prepared for a reasonable price. You can reach us at 800-747-2780.
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