How to file your papers with the court

Once your documents are prepared and reviewed, filing is the step that officially starts (or advances) your case.

Steps

• Find the right court. Divorce is usually filed in the trial-level court for the county where you or your spouse live. CaseForward's State page links your court finder.
• Make copies. Bring the original plus copies — typically one for you and one for your spouse.
• File with the clerk. You can file in person at the courthouse and, in many places, online (e-filing). The clerk stamps your papers and assigns a case number.
• Pay the fee — or ask for a waiver. Filing fees vary by state. If you can't afford it, ask the clerk for a fee-waiver form; if you qualify, the court waives the cost.
• Serve your spouse. After filing, you must formally deliver the papers to the other party (see "Serving the other party").

If you get stuck

Court clerks can't give legal advice, but they can tell you which forms and steps their court requires. Your court's self-help center or family-law facilitator is free and exists exactly for this.