A growing number of state courts are helping people represent themselves in family law matters by providing standardized forms. The types of forms available vary from state to state but generally fall into several categories. These categories are:
• Divorce, Separation, Annulment, and Civil Union Dissolution Forms
• Child Support and Custody Forms
• Domestic Forms
• Modification Forms
• Name Change Forms
The forms you need for your divorce case depend on several factors; your state, if you have children or not, reasons for divorce, protection from abuse orders, and more. Often states and counties offer divorce packets that contain most of the common forms you’ll need for divorce, separation or other family law proceedings.
If you live in California and you and your spouse agree to the terms of your divorce and will be filing an uncontested divorce or separation, you will find all the blank forms, as well as sample completed forms, and step-by-step instructions in our Fast and Friendly Divorce system, which enables you to get divorced without going to court, hiring attorneys, or leaving home if you have a fax machine and credit card! If you’re doing-it-yourself, our Fast and Friendly Divorce system is, in our opinions, the best system available for preparing your own uncontested divorce forms in California. It really walks you through the entire process from start to finish.
To find free divorce forms for you state that you can download instantly, visit our State Resources page, select your State from the menu, and click on the link for your state’s child support calculator. (Please note: some states like California do not have a child support calculator available online, but usually provide calculators at the court’s self help centers located at the court house.
If your state doesn’t provide online forms visit your family court clerk’s office and request a divorce package directly from them. They should be able to provide you with all or at least a portion of the forms you need.
If you’re concerned about representing yourself but can’t afford a lawyer (or for some reason don’t want one) look into books at your library that explain the process, get free legal aid, consider using a mediator, or find a family law or divorce attorney who offers unbundled services.
This article is not legal. You should contact a licensed lawyer in your state to discuss the specifics or your case and applicable laws.
