How to Divorce

The Divorce Process

The divorce process can be expensive and time-consuming. It can also cause heartache and damage to already fragile relationships. Many times, it's best to look for ways to minimize the cost, time, and damage that comes from a traditional contested divorce.

Types of Divorce and Alternatives to Divorce

There's no one-size-fits-all method to divorce. If you're not ready to pull the trigger on ending your marriage, you may want to check into your state's separation laws. For couples who are ready, a final divorce may be the best option.

Separation vs. Divorce

Divorce isn’t the only option when you think your marriage is over. Find out if separation might be a good solution to your marital problems.

Annulment vs. Divorce

Although getting an annulment might seem like a straightforward way to end your marriage, annulments are available for only a small number of marriages.

Divorce: Do You Need a Lawyer?

Learn more about how divorce lawyers work and when you might want to hire one.

Special Issues in Late-Life Divorce

Divorce after 50 is different from divorce when you are younger.

No-Fault Divorce vs. Fault Divorce FAQ

You can get a no-fault divorce in any state, but you might want to understand the fault grounds for divorce as well.

Should I get an annulment or a divorce?

What are the differences between an annulment and a traditional divorce?

What Is Dissolution of Marriage?

Should you file for a divorce or a dissolution of marriage? Does it matter?

Absolute Divorce vs. Limited Divorce

Is divorce the only option when your marriage is on the rocks? Well, that all depends on what you mean by “divorce”.

What You Need to Know Before Getting a Divorce

Find out what you need to know to get a divorce, including how divorce works, requirements for getting a divorce, and alternatives to battling it out in court.

How to Proceed With an Uncontested Divorce

We've all heard divorce horror stories from friends or family, but did you know that your divorce doesn't need to involve finger-pointing, long court trials, or high legal fees? If you and your spouse are still communicating, you may be able to use your state's faster and less-expensive divorce process.

How to Serve Divorce Papers

The law requires you to serve divorce papers on your spouse. If you don’t follow the laws regarding service, you might have to start your divorce all over again.

Are Assets Split 50/50 in a Divorce?

If you're getting divorced, you might think that your marital property will have to be divided equally with your ex. But that's not always true.

How Much Will My Divorce Cost?

See what Nolo’s national survey showed about typical divorce costs, including what people pay when they hire lawyers and what they spend when they handle their own cases.

What Is a Divorce Decree?

A divorce decree is a court order that officially finalizes your divorce. Here’s why you want to have a copy of your divorce decree on hand.

Online Divorce: How Much Does It Cost and How Long Does It Take?

If the potential cost of getting divorced is keeping you up at night, you may be losing sleep unnecessarily. There are cost-effective methods available—but it all depends on your circumstances.

Alimony: What Do I Need to Know Before Divorce?

Learn about how alimony works, and what to expect before filing for divorce.

Dividing Property and Debt During Divorce

Get answers to common questions about divorce topics such as who stays in the family house, what community property is, and how courts divide property and debts.

Divorce and Dividing Property During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Dealing with division of property in a divorce during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alimony and Legal Issues When Getting a Divorce While Living With Someone Else

How living with someone while going through a divorce may affect alimony and property awards.

Are Assets Split 50/50 in a Divorce?

If you're getting divorced, you might think that your marital property will have to be divided equally with your ex. But that's not always true.

Separate and Marital Property: Who Owns What?

If you’re getting divorced, you might assume that all property in your name is yours to keep. Actually, it’s not always that simple.

Searching for Hidden Assets During Divorce

Learn what to do if your spouse is concealing property during your divorce.

Inheritance in Divorce

Ever wonder whether that inheritance you received will be safe if you get divorced? You may not like the answer.

How can I stop my ex-wife from using the credit card I'm paying for?

I can't close the accounts and she refuses to do so or to sign paperwork so the bills will come to my address. What can I do?

Can my mother take custody of my child because I'm a lesbian?

Would she stand a better chance of getting him if my partner had legal rights? Would that hurt me?

Can I sue my husband's ex for destroying his life with financial demands?

Is there any precedent for new spouses bringing suit against former spouses?

Did divorce invalidate my power of attorney?

Is there anything saying that once a couple files for a divorce a power of attorney is no longer legally valid, or am I stuck with this bill?

Can we permanently separate or do we need a divorce?

I support him totally and he is not able to move out because he has nowhere to go.

How Much Will My Divorce Cost?

See what Nolo’s national survey showed about typical divorce costs, including what people pay when they hire lawyers and what they spend when they handle their own cases.

Changing Your Name After Divorce FAQ

Questions After my divorce is final, can I change the last name of my children from my husband's last name to my last name? I took my husband's name when I married, but now we're getting divorced and I'd like to return to my former name. How do I do that? After my divorce is final, can I change the last

Late-Life Divorce: Solving the Health Care Puzzle

Late-life divorce can present unique challenges, but health care coverage doesn't need to be one of them.

Financial Planning After Divorce

No matter what your age, divorce is an enormous life change, one thats full of challenges. But divorce after 50 is different from divorce when you are younger.

Alternatives to Individual Care Plans

If you're re-evaluating your health care coverage because of a later-life divorce, but you don't think an individual health care plan is the right (or only) solution, there are other options availa

What Happens If you Lie Under Oath During Your Divorce Trial?

The goal of divorce law is to ensure that both spouses walk away from a marriage as close to equal as possible. Divorce has a tendency to bring out the worst in people, and whatever your motivation, if you decide to lie or omit facts in your divorce that will impact the final judgment, you could face serious consequences.

Can my U.S. wife deport me to Australia if we divorce?

What happens if the marriage falls apart during the period of conditional residence.

Divorce in California

Learn how to file for divorce in California and what to expect—including the state’s requirements, filing fees, how long you have to wait before your divorce will be final.

How to File for Divorce in Hawaii

Even though you don’t have to prove your spouse’s fault to get a divorce in Hawaii, you’ll still need to meet the state’s residency requirements and follow the court’s procedures to get divorced.

Illinois Key Divorce Facts

Even though you don’t have to prove your spouse’s fault to get a divorce in Illinois, you’ll still need to meet the state’s residency requirements and follow the court’s procedures to get divorced.

Indiana Divorce: What You Need to Know

Learn about the process for getting divorced in Indiana, including the reasons for divorce, how to file, and how much you’ll pay in court costs.

Ohio Divorce: What You Should Know

In Ohio, a dissolution of marriage is not the same as a divorce. Learn which is right for you, along with how to file and how much you’ll pay in court costs.

Divorce in Oregon

Even though you don’t have to prove your spouse’s fault to get a divorce in Oregon, you’ll still need to meet the state’s residency requirements and follow the court’s procedures to get divorced.

Texas Divorce: What You Should Know

Learn about the process for getting divorced in Texas, including the reasons for divorce, how to file, and how much you’ll pay in court costs.

Florida Divorce Laws

Getting divorced in Florida can be complicated. Not knowing what you’re getting into could be a mistake you’ll regret for years to come.