We hear many stories of divorcing spouses, especially pro se filers, getting discouraged when they ask a question at the county courthouse and the clerk or the clerk’s assistance reply, “sorry, but we can not give out legal advice”. Yes, many of the questions asked do not require any sort of advice at all, but for liability reasons the clerk and assistants are instructed to provide limited help, if any at all.

If you have a question regarding your divorce and the process, we suggest asking them to point you in the right direction. In doing so, you are not actually asking them for an answer, but rather asking them where you may be able to go to research the answer.

Also, keep in mind that the county courthouse has a legal library which is open to the public. This library may contain sample divorce documents, filing instructions, or explanations. A library assistant on staff may become your best friend.

As a reminder, you never want to express anger or argue with the clerk. He or she will be facilitating your divorce from start to finish, so this would not be a relationship you want to sever.

It has become very popular over the last few years for spouses to actually do their own divorce without a lawyer. Doing your own divorce will save you money just as long as you take the appropriate steps throughout out the divorce procedure.

It is advised that you get a general understanding, prior to taking on this task. Thousands of divorces are filed every year without a lawyer and most of these divorces are uncontested. This means that you and your spouse mutually agree on the issues that will dissolve your marriage.

If you do decide to divorce on your own, make sure the paperwork you are filing is state specific and make sure you meet the residency requirements for where you wish to divorce.