Getting Divorced

Does It Matter Who Files for Divorce First?

Even though you might not want to be the spouse who files for divorce first, it might benefit you to file the paperwork before your spouse does.

How to File for Divorce Online

Using an online divorce service can save you time and money and keep you out of court. Find out if an online divorce is right for you.

How to Get a Divorce Without Your Spouse

It’s possible to file for divorce even when you don’t know where your spouse lives. There is a catch, though.

Abandonment and Desertion in Divorce

When a spouse vanishes without warning, the emotional toll is just the beginning—abandonment can have major legal consequences in divorce, custody, and even criminal court. But how do courts define it, and what rights do you still have?

Sexless Marriage and Divorce

If you’re in a marriage without physical intimacy, it can help to learn the possible causes, what you can do to try to save your relationship, and—if those efforts don’t work—whether the lack of sex can be grounds for divorce.

Uncontested Divorce FAQ

Get answers to common questions about uncontested divorce, including how much it will cost, how long it will take, and whether you're a good candidate for this simple and quick way of getting divorced..

Uncontested Divorce in California

Learn about the uncontested divorce process in California.

Uncontested Divorce in Georgia

Getting divorced in Georgia can be a relatively pain free process when your divorce is uncontested.

Uncontested Divorce in Texas

Getting divorced in Texas can be a relatively pain free process—if you qualify for an uncontested divorce.

Do-It-Yourself Divorce: Top Ten Tips

Some tips for representing yourself in your divorce.

The Different Kinds of Divorce

If you’re contemplating ending your marriage, your state might have a name other than "divorce" for the procedure. Here's what to look for before you decide how to move forward.

The Essential Divorce Checklist: 10 Steps to Prepare for Your Divorce

Without question, going through a divorce can be an emotional and challenging experience. Whether you're filing for divorce or your spouse surprised you with the request, a divorce checklist can help you get through this difficult time.

How to Protect Yourself During Divorce

In all divorces—both uncontested and contested—you should take steps to protect yourself and your children physically, legally, and financially.

What Is a Divorce Settlement Agreement?

A divorce settlement agreement is a written document that goes by many names, depending on where you live. It can be referred to as any of the following:

How Much Does a Divorce Cost?

A real-world guide to typical divorce costs, the factors that make some divorces more expensive than others, and what you can do to lower the cost of your own divorce.

Basic Divorce Residency Requirements in Your State

A complete guide to the residency requirements for divorce in all 50 states and D.C.

Divorces and Finances: Does the Separation Date Affect Spouses' Property Rights?

In every divorce, there's a date after which property one spouse acquires is no longer considered marital property. Learn how courts decide in a divorce when property becomes a spouse's separate property.

How to Divorce Without Going to Court

Divorce doesn't have to be a drawn-out battle in court There are options available that can save you the anxiety and expense of court appearances.

The Stages of Divorce Mediation

Here’s what to expect when you decide to mediate your divorce.

Divorce Mediation Checklist: How to Prepare for Your First Session

When you're fully prepared, mediation can help you reduce costs and reach agreements in a divorce.

Mediation vs. Collaboration: Factors to Consider in Choosing the Right Approach for You

How to decide whether mediation or collaborative divorce is right for you.

The Pros and Cons of a Default Divorce

A default divorce might save you money and time, but there are risks. Learn when, why, and how to get a default divorce.

Basics of Divorce Arbitration

An arbitrator can make decisions in your divorce and keep you out of divorce court.

What's the Difference Between Annulment and Divorce?

Annulment and divorce both end marriages, but the legal path you can take depends on your marriage's validity from the start. Understanding the strict rules around annulment is key before deciding which route to pursue.

5 Kinds of Marriage That Can Be Annulled

5 If divorce is the end of a marriage, annulment treats it as though it never existed. A marriage can be annulled only when the law considers your marriage either void or voidable. Examples of void marriages—unions that aren’t legal to begin with—are where there’s bigamy or incest. An example

A Guide to Different Types of Separation: Trial, Permanent, and Legal Separation

Learn about the different kinds of separation, what they mean, and how they affect your legal rights.

How Does Collaborative Divorce Work and Is It Right for You?

Contrary to popular belief, not all divorces involve mud-slinging and arguments in court. If you and your spouse are willing to negotiate the terms of your divorce, you may benefit from the collaborative divorce process.

What Is a Trial Separation?

If believe there's still a chance for reconciliation or you'd like to work with your spouse on improving your communication before you file for a divorce, a trial separation may be a good option for you.

How to Start Over After Divorce: 4 Ways to Rebuild Your Life

Moving on after divorce might seem like a monumental challenge. But with expert advice, it's possible to shore up your finances, practice healthy co-parenting, and nurture old and new relationships while taking care of your emotional self.

Modifying a Divorce Decree

Learn what happens when a former spouse wants to change a divorce decree after the divorce is final.

Finding and Hiring a Divorce Lawyer

Some tips on hiring an attorney to handle some or all of your divorce case.