How to Divorce

Getting Started With Your Divorce

If you’re thinking of ending your marriage, it would be wise to first familiarize yourself with the basic concepts of divorce. Continue reading to learn more.

Divorce: Do You Need a Lawyer?

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

Separation Versus Divorce

If your marriage is broken, divorce isn’t the only option available to you. You might find that a legal separation is a viable alternative. But you need to be aware of the pros and cons of each.

Annulment Versus Divorce

Whether you’re seeking a divorce or an annulment, the end result is the same – both procedures legally dissolve a marriage. However, the annulment process is different than a divorce. Annulments may require more evidence, time, and effort than certain types of divorces. Some couples seek annulments for religious or personal reasons, because unlike a divorce, an annulment treats a marriage as though it never happened. Learn more about when and why an annulment might be right for you.

Special Issues in Late-Life Divorce

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

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.

Divorce in Your State

Select your state to learn about your state's laws.

Dividing Your Property During Divorce

If you're considering divorce, you should understand how courts divide property you acquired during your marriage.

Marriage & Property Ownership: Who Owns What?

Who owns marital property and to whom can they leave it?

Searching for Hidden Assets During Divorce

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

Alimony: What Do I Need to Know Before Divorce?

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

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.

Separate and Community Property During Marriage: Who Owns What?

The rules on what spouses own, including what is separate and community property.

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 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.

Should I get an annulment or a divorce?

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

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.

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 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?

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?

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?