The names change by state. The paperwork does not.

The three forms every divorce needs

• The petition or complaint. Starts the case. Filed by the petitioner with the court.
• The summons. The court's formal notice to the other spouse, often with automatic orders printed on it.
• Financial disclosures. A sworn account of income, expenses, assets and debts, shared with your spouse and sometimes filed with the court.

Forms you may need

• A response or answer, if you are the spouse who was served.
• A marital settlement agreement setting out everything you agreed.
• A parenting plan and child support worksheet, if you have minor children.
• An acceptance or waiver of service, or a proof of service.
• A fee waiver request if you cannot afford court fees.
• A QDRO for each workplace retirement plan being divided.
• A request for default if your spouse does not respond.
• The final judgment or decree.

How to file correctly

1. Confirm you meet the residency rule.
2. Get the current forms from your state or county court.
3. File the petition and summons with the clerk and pay the fee or request a waiver.
4. Serve your spouse properly and file proof of service.
5. Exchange financial disclosures within your state's deadline.
6. File your agreement and request the final judgment.

Common mistakes that cause delays

• Using an outdated version of a form.
• Leaving fields blank instead of writing "none" or "not applicable".
• Incomplete financial disclosures.
• Serving the papers yourself, or not filing proof of service.
• Vague agreements, especially about the house and retirement.
• Forgetting the QDRO, so the retirement split never happens.

Where official forms come from

Official forms come from your state judiciary or county court, and many states publish free self-help packets. Each state guide on KindSplit links to its official self-help site. KindSplit drafts the worksheets, agreement, parenting plan and letters that feed those forms.