Free Legal Divorce Process Checklist Template
Legal Divorce Process Checklist
Prepared by: [YOUR NAME]
Company: [YOUR COMPANY NAME]
Date: [DATE]
Initial Preparation
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Confirm eligibility for divorce (residency requirements) |
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Gather necessary financial documents (bank statements, tax returns, assets, debts) |
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List marital assets and liabilities. |
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Decide whether to seek legal advice or hire a divorce attorney. |
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Discuss the potential for mediation or uncontested divorce. |
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Filing for Divorce
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Determine which court has jurisdiction over the divorce |
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Prepare and file a petition for divorce (also called a complaint) |
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Pay filing fees (varies by state and court) |
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Serve divorce papers to your spouse. |
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Ensure spouse acknowledges receipt of divorce papers (service of process) |
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Temporary Orders (if applicable)
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Request temporary orders if necessary (child custody, support, spousal support) |
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Attend a court hearing for temporary orders. |
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Follow the court’s temporary orders during the divorce process. |
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Response from Spouse
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Wait for a spouse to file a response (or default if they do not respond) |
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Discuss settlement or mediation options if both parties agree. |
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File a counter-petition if the spouse contests the divorce terms. |
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Discovery Process
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Exchange information and financial disclosures (assets, debts, income, etc.) |
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Request relevant documents or information from your spouse through discovery. |
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Review documents and financial statements for accuracy. |
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Investigate and hire an expert (if necessary) to assess asset value or income. |
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Negotiation and Settlement
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Attempt negotiation and settlement through mediation or collaborative law |
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Draft a divorce settlement agreement outlining terms (assets, debts, custody, support) |
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Ensure both parties sign the settlement agreement. |
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If a settlement is reached, submit the agreement to the court for approval. |
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Court Hearings and Trials (if applicable)
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Prepare for a trial if mediation or negotiation fails |
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Attend court hearings for contested issues. |
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Present evidence and testimony to the judge |
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Follow the judge’s orders during and after the trial. |
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Finalizing the Divorce
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Ensure the judge signs the final divorce decree |
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Review the final divorce decree to ensure all terms are accurate. |
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File the final decree with the court to make it official. |
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Obtain certified copies of the final divorce decree for records. |
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Post-Divorce Considerations
Task |
Completed (✓) |
---|---|
Update legal documents (wills, powers of attorney, beneficiaries) |
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Change insurance policies (health, life, auto) to reflect changes. |
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Modify bank accounts and credit cards as necessary. |
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Update name (if applicable) on official documents |
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Comply with post-divorce obligations (child support, alimony, custody arrangements) |
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