To start a case for Divorce,  Legal Separation or Nullity:

1.   Prepare:

q  Petition   FL-100

q  Summons  FL-110

q  Dec. for Court Assignment VN027

q  UCCJEA Declaration (if there are children of this marriage.) FL-105

If you are low income, complete a Fee Waiver, otherwise there is a filing fee.

q  2.  Take TWO copies and the original     

      and file with the Clerk’s Office

q  3.  Have Respondent PERSONALLY    SERVED with the above documents.  The person who serves the documents must complete a Proof of Service

q  4.  File the completed Proof of Service  with the Clerk’s Office within 60 days of filing the Petition*          

      WAIT 30 DAYS – in the meantime:

q  5.  Prepare and Serve the Preliminary

Declaration of Disclosure  ( you may serve this document yourself by mail or personal service)

q  6.  File the completed Declaration

      Regarding Service of Declaration of

      Disclosure with the Clerk’s Office.   

*If you do not file the Proof of Service, you will have to attend a Case Review Conference 75 days after the filing of the Petition to explain why you have not served the Respondent.

If you do not agree with what the Petitioner has requested in his or her Petition you must within THIRTY DAYS of receiving the Petition: 

1.   Prepare:

q  Response  FL-120

q  UCCJEA Declaration if there are children of this marriage. FL-105

q  2.  Serve a copy of the above documents on the Petitioner.  This must be done by someone other than yourself, personally or by mail

q  3.  File the Original Response, the

       completed Proof of Service and two

       copies of each at the Clerk’s  Office.

      If you are low income, prepare a Fee

     Waiver to waive the filing fee

q  4.  Prepare and Serve the Preliminary

       Declaration of Disclosure.  See #5-6

       on the Petitioner’s side.