Petition for Divorce

The divorce process officially starts when someone files a Petition for Divorce (also called a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) with the family court. This document is essentially your formal request to the court to end your marriage. It includes basic information about both spouses, the marriage, and any children — and it states the grounds for divorce.

The person who files the petition is called the 'petitioner,' and their spouse — who receives a copy — is called the 'respondent.' Filing the petition and serving a copy on your spouse are the two steps that officially open the case. From that moment, the court has jurisdiction over your divorce.

The petition doesn't have to include every detail of what you're asking for — that comes later in the process. But it does typically ask for relief like property division, spousal support, or child custody. Think of it as the opening statement that sets the divorce in motion.

Filing the petition is a significant legal step. Once it's filed and served, the case is open, and both parties are subject to automatic court orders (like restrictions on selling marital property or taking children out of state). Understanding what the petition says before it's filed helps you avoid agreeing to things you didn't intend.

The filing date matters because it can affect property rights, support calculations, and the residency clock for your state's waiting period. Knowing when — and where — to file is an important first decision in the process.