It's for a friend of mine. She wants a divorce but what's stopping her is money. Does anyone know the law? Can you get a divorce for free (esp if you're in the military?)
2006-06-06 15:07:30 · 8 answers · asked by Ana 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
My husband and I were in agreeance on our divorce. Since it was uncontested, we were allowed to file our own paperwork. We bought a kit at Staples (you can also get them from the website below). They come with the forms included, but you can also download them from the website once you purchase the kit. ($25.00)
Next, I filled in all of the information required. I checked out some websites to get an idea of how to word things, but really all you need to do is fill in the forms.
We took the unsigned papers to the court house, where we signed them and had them noterized. Then we went to the department which handles divorces. They took the paperwork and collected a court fee ($111.00 in our county/state, but it varies greatly - call the local distict court to find out how much). Now we simply wait the 60 days (that also varies) then go to court and get the final decree singed.
Total cost = $136.00 and a lot of my time.
Cost if we'de hired an attorney = $400.00-$700.00 & a lot of time
I know that in the neighboring county where the military base is located, it is much easier to get a divorce, though I don't know if it is any cheaper. Your friend should know of a military office which provides legal advice and assistance to officers and their spouses. She should definately contact them to see if they can provide any assistance.
This is, of course, assuming that both of them agree on most things. If he's going to contest the marriage, she can still try to file without an attorney, but she might have to get one if he gets too demanding.
Best wishes.
2006-06-07 00:43:54 · answer #1 · answered by Ell 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If your friend has grounds, then all they will need is a small amount to file your complaint. Usually a few hundred dollars.
What I mean by grounds is: is there adultery, abuse, abandonment, etc... then they have grounds to file the divorce.
If they are in the military, they can go through JAG and they will give free legal advice...
I have been divorced twice. My 1st husband was in the military.
He was having an affair with a senior staff member and I could have ruined his career along with hers. JAG told me that if I did that, I wouldn't get much child support, since he would be out of a job.
What they told me to do was to give him the divorce, but ask for full custody, and get all the bills paid, all the household goods, the car and myself put through college. I got all of that....
So, don't worry, JAG has seen many many situations like your friends.... It may seem like the world is ending, but there is always a better tomorrow.
I wish you the best.
2006-06-06 22:16:54 · answer #2 · answered by tammette39 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not for free but under $300. Either get a copy of someone else's divorce degree that is similar to your case (kids/nokids, etc) and retype it replacing their name with yours. Or buy the software for $40 that write the templates and forms for you. There will be some filing fee and court costs.
2006-06-06 22:12:00 · answer #3 · answered by diesel_pusher2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not for free, but she can download for a fee all of the paperwork she needs for the divorce and tailor it to her needs from the internet.
2006-06-06 22:12:56 · answer #4 · answered by Gabrielle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont really know, but the military may be able to help her, u have to check it out with them
2006-06-06 22:58:56 · answer #5 · answered by charlesjerrell 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She can contact legal aid.
V
2006-06-06 22:10:03 · answer #6 · answered by lookin... 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
consult the local legal aid, it's much easier.
2006-06-06 22:09:45 · answer #7 · answered by Lori 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-06-06 22:09:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋