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How to get a divorce
You can apply for a divorce after you have been separated for 12 months. You can apply together (joint application) or on your own (sole application) at the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia or the Family Court of Western Australia. Most people apply without using a lawyer. You can learn how to get a divorce kit from the family law courts website, which has all the forms you need.
If you apply on your own for how to get a divorce, you must also \'serve\' your ex-partner with the application. Serving means making sure they are given the divorce papers, so they know about court. There are special rules about serving. You cannot serve your ex-partner personally but you can do so by mail.
There are also forms that must be filled out to prove that the other person has been served in order to learn how to get a divorce. You will get these forms from the court when you file your application. Information about serving documents is available on the court website.
Steps for how to get a divorce
Step 1:
Make every effort toward keeping your relations amicable. The angrier your spouse is, the uglier your divorce will be.
Step 2:
Consult an attorney - most will meet for an initial consultation just to explain the process and your immediate options - or research the divorce process in your area. Divorce laws differ among states, and each county may have its own rules this is quite essential in how to get a divorce.
Step 3:
Take a trip to your local family law courthouse or the family law department within the local courthouse.
Step 4:
Gather your financial documents, including tax returns for the last five years, all retirement accounts and all financial accounts.
Step 5:
Close or freeze joint accounts. You and your spouse may want to divide equally all funds accumulated during your marriage. This is important learning how to get a divorce
Step 6:
Keep track of all debts incurred or paid (credit cards, repairs to the family home and so forth) once you separate from your spouse.
Step 7:
Determine whether alimony or child support is warranted. If you are the spouse in need of support, make sure to initiate court proceedings as soon as possible, because you won\'t receive support until you file. Consult an attorney or other resource, an important thing in how to get a divorce
Step 8:
Keep track of any money you give your spouse as alimony or child support, and write checks rather than giving cash.
Step 9:
Realize that most states have a waiting period between the time when you file for divorce and the time when your divorce is final.
Step 10:
Research your spouse\'s pension plans, retirement accounts and other savings accounts. You may not be aware of all the plans to which your spouse contributes or to which an employer contributes on behalf of your spouse is must in learning how to get a divorce
Step 11:
Negotiate a custody plan if children are involved; you will have to. Most courts offer free assistance.
How to get a divorce >
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