Trouble Directory
State Laws
How do I notify my spouse about the divorce?

Generally, spouses may be notified about the divorce when you or your lawyer hire a person known as a "process server," who will deliver the complaint and the other documents to your spouse personally. This is called "service of process".

Can I deliver the complaint myself?

Most states do not allow a party to a lawsuit - in this case, a divorce - to serve the copies on the other side. But if you and your spouse agree to file the documents together, you don't have to formally serve the papers. Instead, you will normally complete a form (often called an "appearance, consent, and waiver") that will allow the court to proceed.

Marriage & Family Sponsors
   
 
Document Center
 

Affordable & Professional

Select a document type from the list below. Most documents are prepared within just 48 hours.

  Search Local Help & Info
What:  
Where:
  Browse by state
 » All Local Guides
 » Alabama
 » Alaska
 » Arizona
 » Arkansas
 » California
 » Colorado
 » Connecticut
 » DC
 » Delaware
 » Florida
 » Georgia
 » Hawaii
 » Idaho
 » Illinois
 » Indiana
 » Iowa
 » Kansas
 » Kentucky
 » Louisiana
 » Maine
 » Maryland
 » Massachusetts
 » Michigan
 » Minnesota
 » Mississippi
 » Missouri
 » Montana
 » Nebraska
 » Nevada
 » New Hampshire
 » New Jersey
 » New Mexico
 » New York
 » North Carolina
 » North Dakota
 » Ohio
 » Oklahoma
 » Oregon
 » Pennsylvania
 » Rhode Island
 » South Carolina
 » South Dakota
 » Tennessee
 » Texas
 » Utah
 » Vermont
 » Virginia
 » Washington
 » West Virginia
 » Wisconsin
 » Wyoming
In partnership with JustGive.org, GotTrouble facilitates charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations that can serve a positive social interest while being innovative in their organizations practices. Many of these organizations provide support in education, career training and financial opportunity to millions of people in need every year.