If you are in the process of filing for divorce, you need to know that there are many steps to follow. You can file for divorce in many different ways. You can seek the help of a divorce attorney to guide you through the process. An attorney will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the divorce and how to proceed. In addition, an attorney will help you understand the various decisions that are involved in the divorce and explain the differences between them. If you want to know more about this visit www.lennonfamilylaw.org.
When you are considering filing for divorce, you need to consider all the requirements. For example, you need to live apart for two years. This timeframe does not apply in contested divorce cases. In a non-contested divorce, couples do not need to live apart for two years. However, they must be living separate for six months. If the marriage does not last, the waiting period can be waived. Then, you can file for divorce instead of annulment.
In addition to separating, you need to serve your spouse with a divorce petition. This will serve as the formal notice that the divorce is imminent. The petitioner will need to pay a filing fee that varies by state. You can check your local court’s website to learn the exact fees. The filing date will serve as the legal separation date, and will stop the accrual of marital property. During this time, you must make sure that the other party acknowledges the service of the divorce papers.
The next step in the process is filing a counterclaim. This document is used to tell the other side of the story about the divorce and why you think it should be final. A counterclaim is not legally binding, but it is an important part of the divorce process. A counterclaim will be filed if you believe the other spouse is cheating. In addition to filing the petition, you may also be ordered to go to mediation or 
settlement negotiations. If the divorce is not finalized, the judge will issue a final divorce decree that will define child custody, spousal maintenance, and other issues that are unique to your situation.
In the divorce process, you need to respond to the complaint. Usually, the other party will be required to respond to your complaint. Having a counterclaim is necessary to protect you from default judgment, which is when neither party answers the divorce complaint or attends the hearings. The result is that the petitioner gets what they asked for. This is why the process of filing for divorce is vital. If you are going through this step, you need to be well-prepared.