Free Divorce Information

Knowledge is power and when facing a divorce, you may need all the power you can get. Emotions can run high and fast at a time when couples separate. Even more so when it comes to the actual divorce, the division of property and, most importantly, the custody of your child or children.

In the United States, all states require couples who are separating or divorcing to file what is known as a parenting plan. This plan forces couples to address a number of issues which are important at the time of separation or will become even more important at some time in the future.

Topics covered in the parenting plan include physical custody, legal custody, exchange procedures, holidays, insurance, contact with other family members, school activities, medical attention, contact information and overseas travel.

You may not even think of many of these items and may be too stressed to handle things in a matter of fact way. That is the purpose of the parenting plan. All bases are covered and by completing the details, the worry of the unknown is reduced if not removed altogether.

Certain obvious things apply when it comes to a parenting plan. It must be written not verbal and must be signed and dated by both partners. You may be able to work it out between yourselves but if you can't or if there is fear and anger involved, have a third party assist in making the plan.

Your local district court can assist but there are several; sources on-line with plans and information about the parenting plan.

Divorce Statistics

There may be an occasion when you need information about a divorce - when it happened, in which state and if any judgments were made about child custody, etc.

There are detailed records kept which provide this and other information on marriages and the dissolution of marriages. Costs are often involved if you require certificates with information. It may be that you will have to contact a particular court in a particular state for your needs.

The National Center for Health Statistics is an excellent place to begin your search. Their web page has information on divorce in all states.

Local Lawyers

An obvious source of information is your local lawyer especially if they specialize in family law. Lawyers advertise and are easy to locate. Finding one which suits your needs may not be as straightforward. There are tips here. Conduct an interview with a prospective lawyer in person or over the phone. Trust your instincts. Better still, take a referral from someone you trust. A neighbor or a friend of a friend may have recently been divorced. Ask about their lawyer.

Courts and Community Resources

You can obtain a great deal of information from these institutions. Again locating them is pretty easy particularly on-line. What you need here is to know what you want. Prepare your questions in advance. Know what you need to know.

So let's start with your local court. In your state, you would search for courts. Here's an example: Michigan Courts

Pretty simple - the state is Michigan and the topic or subject is courts. Once inside the web site you could click on a link like Friend of the Court Services.

Here you will see that one of the services they provide is to "develop and publish information pamphlets for public use". This is what you want. Information from a pamphlet on divorce procedure or child custody or some other related topic. There is a great deal of information available, much of it free and all that is required is some simple search and request activity.

Divorce proceedings have changed greatly over the years to the extent that you can now, in many situations, complete the appropriate form for a divorce application via the Internet. The form is online; you complete it and pay by credit card and all from the comfort of your home.

Legal Aid

One major concern for people with a low income is that, being able to afford a lawyer for their divorce may just not be possible. Legal Aid operates for just that reason. It believes everyone is entitled to legal aid regardless of their income.

So if have limited funds and would find it difficult or impossible to pay a lawyer, consider Legal Aid. Michigan Legal Aid is an example.

They are not-for-profit institutions with lots of resources and information to assist you. This type of group is available in all states.

On the example listed, if you click on documents you will see the range of services they offer. One service is called Family Law and there they provide information on divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, visitations and more.

DIY Lawyer

Although you would be well advised to take professional advice on all matters pertaining to a separation and divorce, you are free to read up on matters. There is no crime in being educated. You will give yourself more courage and the ability to ask questions or better questions. For example, what does your state's law say about divorce and child custody if there is a possibility that a child involved in the marriage may be removed from the United States? Find out for yourself. Such information is freely available.

Mediation

This is where the marriage partners meet in a non-confrontational setting to try and resolve the dispute. It is often cheaper than litigation and important if you want everyone to be a winner. Besides if there is a child or children involved and you may need to continue communicating with your ex because of the child, using this service paves the way for less-stressful communication.

Again the details are freely available on the Internet and you can educate yourself at your leisure.

The question is more what do you want to know rather than is there any information. There are many benefits for you by making yourself aware of the information on hand.

Here are additional resources you might be interested in:

How to Conduct a Do It Yourself Divorce in the USA

How much does it Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer in the USA?

Where Can I Find Divorce Support Groups in the USA?

Divorce Statistics in the USA

What are the Divorce Rights of Military Spouses in the USA?

There's a number of places online where you can carry out a divorce (which is much cheaper than going through the courts and lawyers). Legal Zoom's 3-Step Divorce Process can provide quick and easy online divorces.

Are you considering getting a divorce? There's an excellent ebook about deciding whether to Get a Divorce or Stay In the Relationship. Every couple should read this before making the decision.

If you're on the verge of having a divorce, read this to Save Your Marriage.