What steps are involved in a divorce?

The following graphic shows some of the steps you will be likely to follow in your divorce.  Your divorce will occur in family court and you may or may not need or wish to hire a lawyer.  State laws differ greatly, and your clerk of courts can provide specific information on the process and the forms you will need.  Some steps may not be needed and others not shown may be required if your situation is unique or complex.  For example, if you do not have children, a Guardian Ad Litem will not be needed.  If you have a very simple financial situation, or if you and your spouse are in agreement over the divorce issues (or are workign well together and are confident you can collaborate on a fair settlement), you can divorce without hiring a family law attorney. 

• Serve and file the petition
• Petition response
• Financial disclosures
• Resolve key divorce issues (via collaboration, hearings and/or motions, mediation, marital settlement agreement) 
• Parenting Plan and possibly a Guardian Ad Litem
• Final hearing

This flowchart outlines the typical divorce process at a high level.  How smoothly your divorce will proceed, how much it will cost, and how long it will take depends on factors such as how much you and your spouse agree or disagree, whether you have children, whether there are complex issues,  etc.  It also depends on what state you divorce in.