If you want to file divorce papers using online forms, first find out which specific court you will be filing in. Call and ask for their online divorce form link or use a search engine to find their main website. If you start at the right place, you will at least have a clear idea of what is required in your state.
It can be trickier than you think to get the proper forms. Each state has different court systems and there are different names for them. Most states have their divorce forms tied to divorce courts, which are usually found in each county. But the names vary. Some examples are:
- In California, they are called Superior Courts.
- In Idaho, they are called Judicial District Courts.
- In Nevada, they are called County District Courts.
- In Arizona, they are called the Superior Courts.
- In New York, they are county Supreme Courts.
While court offices usually provide detailed instructions along with forms, sometimes people find the instructions cumbersome and confusing. When this happens, they tend to cut corners and search for more “user friendly” divorce forms and legal forms online.
The problem with other online legal forms is they are generic legal forms, and often miss the finer details required by individual state/county courts. For this reason it is helpful, once you have your local forms, to find someone local to help you understand the legal terminology and procedures. That someone is often an attorney, but can also be a family law mediator. Sometimes there is assistance available from your local court. The wisest thing to do is to consult with a local area legal advisor before preparing your case forms.
