A do it yourself divorce is possible in every state but there are variations of how to go about it. In California the two major points to understand are:
- The spouse who makes the application for divorce has to (a) been living in the state for at least six months and (b) has to have been living in the county in which the application is filed for at least three months and
- The only grounds or reason for divorce are that irreconcilable differences have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage.
If you are seeking a divorce in California and you meet the requirements above, you are able to do your own application and save yourself a great deal of money. Almost all the work has been done for you and is free on line. Simply go to the
Divorce Papers section and then click on the state of California.
The steps you now take are straightforward. You have to obtain the necessary documents for your divorce application. They are available free online. When you complete these forms you must use the correct words. If you don't the court will not accept your application and you'll have to start over.
For example the words SUPREME COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ...... must all be in capital letters. You are the Petitioner if you are applying for the divorce and your spouse is the Respondent. Note that the words Petitioner and Respondent both begin with a capital letter.
These rules may seem silly and unimportant. Don't complain just follow the clear instructions.
Now apart from obtaining the actual divorce, there may be several other related matters you wish to settle at the same time e.g. do you wish to change your name, do you wish to have control of the care of your child or children and do you wish to take out a restraining order against your spouse.
If so you can freely download the relevant form. Most come with helpful instructions on how to complete each form. If you still have problems, your local court house can provide administrative help in such things as to which form to use and how to complete it.
Remember you are the one doing the leg work and you are the one who is saving considerable funds by doing it yourself.
Once you decide to go ahead with your divorce, ask yourself this question; do I wish to save money, as much as thousands of dollars, on the cost of my divorce? If the answer is yes, then follow the instructions from DivorceGuide.com and do it yourself.
Thousands of Californian couples have divorced using the forms and instructions listed in this article. You don't need to be or use a lawyer. The steps are clear, the advice is free and the results speak for themselves.
Take your time, go online and play around with the basic divorce application form 1282. You'll gain in confidence and will have taken the first step in obtaining your divorce in the state of California.
Here are additional resources you might be interested in: If you're in the USA and there's no property or finances to settle, then you can do it yourself. 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.
How to Conduct a DIY Divorce and Save Thousands Do It Yourself Divorce Forms - Download Divorce Papers
How to Have a Lawyer-Free Divorce in the USA 
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