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TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: SHOULD I DO MY OWN DIVORCE? A. How to use this book? B. When should I be my own lawyer? C. Conciliation and mediation services and parenting classes (Family Services Department) D. Family violence E. Help with family problems F. Can I use a lawyer part-time? G. How much do lawyers charge for a divorce? H. Suppose I employ a lawyer? CHAPTER 2. THE COURTS: HOW THEY SERVE YOU A. Learn by visiting the courts B. Learn the language C. How can the court clerk help? D. Court costs for a divorce E. Suppose I cannot afford to pay the filing fee? F. Free legal services CHAPTER 3. THE BEGINNING A. The divorce law - dissolution B. Grounds for divorce C. How do I start my own divorce? D. Counteraction by your spouse E. Required parent education classes F. The 90 day waiting period G. Can I still see my spouse? H. Suppose my spouse is missing? I. Obtaining the Judgment of Dissolution J. Remarriage K. Annulment L. Legal separation M. Change of name N. Can a divorce be done again CHAPTER 4. CHILDREN AND SPOUSAL SUPPORT A. Visitation with children B. Child custody C. Child support D. Spousal support E. Tax consequences of child and spousal support F. Payment of child and spousal support by income withholding CHAPTER 5. WHAT ABOUT MONEY AND PROPERTY? A. Separate versus marital property B. Real estate C. Automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles D. Bank accounts E. Household furniture, stock, and business interests F. Life insurance, retirement benefits, and pensions G. Suppose I have a lot of property? H. What about debts? I. what about income tax? J. What about my will or accounts payable to my spouse upon my death? CHAPTER 6. STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE A. Why should I take care when filing out forms? B. Filing for divorce as a sole petitioner C. Filing for divorce as co-petitioners D. Who needs certified copies of the decree? CHAPTER 7. SUPPOSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THE COURT COSTS? CHAPTER 8. PHYSICAL PROTECTION OR IMMEDIATE SUPPORT A. Family violence B. Restraining and other temporary orders CHAPTER 9. PROPERTY SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND SEPARATION AGREEMENTS CHAPTER 10. WHAT IF I NO LONGER WANT A DIVORCE? APPENDIX 1. Step-by-step checklist of procedures 2. Child support computation worksheet instructions 3. General parenting plan GLOSSARY FORMS SAMPLES 1. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage 2. Certificate of Residency 3. Record of Dissolution of Marriage or Annulment ( for Vital Records Unit) 4. Summons 5. Motion and Order Allowing Publication of Summons; Affidavit of Petitioner 6. Motion and Order Allowing Judgment by Default; Affidavit of Non-Military Service 7. Motion for Judgment Without Hearing; Affidavit of Petitioner 8. Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage 9. Child support computation worksheets (partial) 10. Support Order Abstract 11. Motion and Order Waiving 90-Day Waiting Period Affidavit Close Window