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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. How can this book help me? CHAPTER 2. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU BEGIN. A. Basis of divorce B. Separation agreements C. Custody 1. Decision making 2. Residential provisions 3. Conflict resolution D. If you cannot agree on a parenting plan 1. Sole decision making 2. Dispute resolution 3. Limitations on residential time E. Child support F. Maintenance for a spouse G. Matrimonial property 1. Real property 2. Personal property H. Restraining orders I. Other temporary orders J. Tax aspects of separation and divorce CHAPTER 3. PRELIMINARY NOTES ON PROCEDURE A. General B. Style of cause C. Format for court orders that you type yourself CHAPTER 4. STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE A. The petition for dissolution of marriage 1. When you and your spouse file together 2. When you and your spouse are not filing together B. If your spouse files a response C. Obtaining temporary restraining orders D. Obtaining temporary orders other than restraining orders E. Setting a court date and preparing for court F. Preparing the final documents 1. Findings of facts 2. The decree of dissolution 3. Declaration of non-military service or waiver of rights under soldiers and sailors' civil relief act and admission of service G. Appearing in court CHAPTER 5. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS A. If your spouse is missing, or you cannot afford a process server, or your spouse is out of state 1. Service by publication 2. service by mail B. If you have waited more than a year between date of Petition and proceeding with your divorce C. How to discontinue your divorce D. How to apply for financial aid APPENDIX GLOSSARY TABLES SAMPLES Close Window