StateofIdaho

KootenaiCounty

CourtAddress: Case/DocketNo.CV166616

324WGardenAve
Coeurd'Alene,Idaho83816
Division:Magistrate

Petitioner:AmberNicoleFloyd
Courtroom:_____________

CoPetitioner/Respondent: Jack Newton

Floyd Judge:MayliWalshe

FilingAttorney/ProSeParty:

DavidWLohman
Address:POBOX2332
Coeurd'Alene,Idaho83816
[ABOVEFORCOURTUSEONLY]
Phone:2087651101

Email:davidwlohman@hotmail.com

______________________________________________________________________

MARITALSETTLEMENTAGREEMENT
This MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT is entered into on _____________ (the
"Agreement")byandbetweenJackNewtonFloydandAmberNicoleFloyd(collectivelythe
"Parties"andeacha"Party"tothisAgreement).EachPartyswearsthatthetermscontainedin
thisAgreementaretrueandfairinallrespects,and,subjecttocourtapproval,thefollowing
terms represent the Parties' wishes for the final settlement of all matters related to their
dissolutionofmarriage,includingallpropertyrights,thedivisionsofassetsanddebts,allrights
tosupportandmaintenance,andallotherrightsandclaimsthatcouldarisefromthemarital
relationshiporotherwisebetweentheParties.

WHEREAS,eachPartyhasexecutedthisAgreementingoodfaithanduponanaccurateand
completedisclosureofallfinancial,property,andothermattersrelatedtothisAgreement;

WHEREAS,eachPartyhashadthefullopportunitytobecounseledbyanattorneyofhisorher
choosingregardingthisagreementandhisorherrelevantlegalrights;and

NOW,THEREFORE,inconsiderationofthemutualpromisesandcovenantshereincontained,
eachPartypromisestoabidebythetermsandconditionsofthisAgreementandtofullyperform
itsobligationsingoodfaith.

I.GeneralTerms

1. DateofBirth. JackNewtonFloydwasbornonAugust08,1985andAmberNicole
FloydwasbornonNovember19,1984.

2. Marriage.ThePartiesweremarriedonDecember05,2015inCoeurd'Alene,Idaho.

3. Separation.ThePartiesphysicallyseparatedfromlivingtogetheron05/14/2016.

4. Residency and Jurisdiction. Jack Newton Floyd currently resides at PO Box 2332,
Coeurd'Alene, Idaho 83816 and has resided in Idaho for 11. Amber Nicole Floyd
currently resides at 45 Grimes Creek Ln, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873 and has
residedinMontanafor6months.Assuch,JackNewtonFloydhasestablishedresidency
in Kootenai County, Idaho, and Jack Newton Floyd hereby consents to the Court's
jurisdictionoverthismatter.

5. NoChildren. ThePartieshaveneverhadanychildrentogether,eitherthroughnatural
birthoradoption.

6. Cause for Dissolution of Marriage. The Parties are pursuing a dissolution of their
marriageduetoirreconcilabledifferencesthathaverenderedthemarriageirretrievably
broken.
7. EmploymentandIncome

a. JackNewtonFloyd.JackNewtonFloydearnsatotalgrossmonthlyincomeof
$2,500.00fromthefollowingincomesources:AmberFloydhasbeenlaidoff
sinceDecember2016andwillbegoingbacktoworkatWhistleStopCafin
March.IhaveincludedacopyofmyW2fromthisemployer.

b. AmberNicoleFloyd.AmberNicoleFloydiscurrentlyunemployedandwithout
anyincome.

II.DivisionofAssets

1. Division of Assets. Any asset transferred hereunder to one of the Parties will be
transferredfreeandclearofallright,title,orclaimoftheotherParty,subjecttoanythen
existing liens, encumbrances, or other restrictions that the receiving Party agrees to
assume,pay,andindemnifythenonreceivingPartyagainstrelatedloss.Furthermore,
eachPartyagreestocooperateinperforminganyactionnecessarytobringaboutthe
agreeddispositionoftheassetsaswithintherequiredtimeframeandasdescribedinthis
Agreement,includingcompletingandsigninganydocumentsrequiredtotransferorsell
titletoanasset.

a. TimeframeforTransfers. Unlessotherwisestatedbelow,thePartiesagreeto
makealltransfersorotherdispositionsoftheassetsasstatedhereinwithin60
daysofthefinaldivorcedecree,iffeasible.Ifatransferorotherdispositionisnot
feasiblewithin60days,thenthePartieswillactingoodfaithtocompleteitas
soonasisreasonablypracticablethereafter,butinnoeventlaterthan120days
fromthefinaldivorcedecree.IfaPartyrefusesorfailstosignadocumentto
transferorotherwisedisposeofanassetasagreeduponinthisAgreement,then
thefinaldivorcedecreewilloperatetotransfertitleorotherwisedisposeofthe
asset.

b. OtherTangibleAssets

i. Jack Newton Floyd will receive the following household goods and
personalproperty:

ii. Amber Nicole Floyd will receive the following household goods and
personalproperty:
 A. PS4gamingsystembelongingtoson,hadpriortomarriageworth
approximately$400.00.

B. Livingroom fruniture belonging to wife, had prior to marriage

worthapproximately$350.00.

C. Washer and Dryer belonging to wife, belonging to wife during

marriageworthapproximately$250.00.

D. Dishwasher belonging to wife, had prior to marriage worth

approximately$150.00.

E. fishlamp,belongingtowife,giventowifebeforemarriageworth
approximately$200.00.

F. Weddingdressbelongingtowifeworthapproximately$285.14.

G. LGTV55inchbelongingtowife,hadpriortomarriageworth
approximately$800.00.

H. Dressers bedroom fruniture belonging to wife prior to marriage

worthapproximately$500.00.

c. Debts Owed the Parties. TheParties agree todivide debts owedtothemas

follows:

i. DebtorAvista
AmountOwed:$506.35
JackNewtonFloyd'sShare:100%
AmberNicoleFloyd'sShare:0%

ii. DebtorVerizonwireless
AmountOwed:$411.79
JackNewtonFloyd'sShare:50%
AmberNicoleFloyd'sShare:50%

iii. DebtorTimeWarner
AmountOwed:$78.30
JackNewtonFloyd'sShare:100%
AmberNicoleFloyd'sShare:0%
 iv. DebtorPawn1
AmountOwed:$212.00
JackNewtonFloyd'sShare:50%
AmberNicoleFloyd'sShare:50%

v. DebtorT&LMiniStorage
AmountOwed:$500.00
JackNewtonFloyd'sShare:100%
AmberNicoleFloyd'sShare:0%

vi. DebtorKootenaiCustodyCourtfilingfees
AmountOwed:$154.00
JackNewtonFloyd'sShare:100.00%
AmberNicoleFloyd'sShare:0%

vii. DebtorPeachOrthadontics
AmountOwed:$164.84
JackNewtonFloyd'sShare:100%
AmberNicoleFloyd'sShare:0%

d. AllOtherProperty. ThePartiesagreethatanyandalltangibleandintangible
property owned by one or both spouses not included in this Agreement will
hereafterbelongtowhicheverPartycurrentlyhasphysicalpossessionofanysuch
tangiblepropertyorhasdocumentedindividualownershiprightsoveranysuch
intangibleproperty.

III.DivisionofDebts

1. DivisionofDebts.EachPartyagreestocooperateinperformingallactionsnecessaryto
effectthe division ofdebts as specified herein, including, without limitation,signing
requireddocumentsandtakingstepstoremovetheotherParty'snamefromobligations
thatthePartyhasagreedtofullyassume.Unlessotherwisestatedherein,eachParty
agreestoremainsolelyresponsibleforanydebtitincurredinitsownnamepriortothe
dateofmarriage,duringmarriage,orsubsequenttothedateofseparation.EachParty
agrees to indemnify the other Party and hold it harmless from any loss, claim, or
judgment that the other Party may suffer due to failure of the Party to satisfy its
obligationsonthedebtsstatedherein.

a. OtherDebts.ThePartiesagreetodividetheirotherdebtsasfollows:
 i. DebtDepartmentofeducation
DebtAmount:$9,765.00
JackNewtonFloydPays:50%
AmberNicoleFloydPays:50%

IV.SpousalSupport

1. Spousal Support. The Parties agree that neither Party will receive alimony, spousal
support,norspousalmaintenancefromtheotherParty,andeachPartyherebywaives,
releases,andrelinquishesallrightorclaimtoreceivesuchsupportfromtheotherPartyat
anytimeinthefuture.

V.MiscellaneousTermsandAcknowledgments

1. FullDisclosure.EachPartyrepresentsthatithasmadeafullandaccuratedisclosureto
theotherPartyofallitsassets,liabilities,income,andexpenses,whetherheldjointlyor
individuallyandbasedoncurrentandaccuratefinancialdocumentationprovidedtothe
otherParty.

2. Mutual Release. Unless otherwise stated herein, all income, investments, and other
assetsacquiredonorafterthedateofthisAgreementwillbethesolepropertyofthe
Partythatacquiressuchassets.Unlessotherwisestatedhereinorinasignedwriting
executedhereafter,eachPartyherebywaives,releases,discharges,andrelinquishesthe
otherPartyandhisorherrepresentatives,successors,andassignsfromallright,title,and
claimtoaninterestinthefollowing:theincome,investments,andotherassetsacquired
hereafterbytheotherPartyexceptasmayberequiredtocollectamountsowedinthe
eventofadefaultbytheotherPartyunderthisAgreement;rightsofinheritanceinthe
otherParty'sestate;rightstoanyelectiveshareundertheotherParty'swill;rightsto
managetheotherParty'sestateasanexecutororadministrator;andanyothermarital
rightsthatthePartynowhasormayhaveinthefuture,includingtherighttoreceive
proceedsasabeneficiaryoftheotherParty'slifeinsurancepolicy.

3. Mediation. IntheeventofadisputeconcerningthisAgreement,thePartiesagreeto
worktogetherinmakingagoodfaithattempttofindamutuallyagreeableresolution.If
theParties'negotiationfails,thePartiesagreetofirstseektoresolvethedisputethrough
mediationbyaprofessionalmediatoragreeduponbybothParties.Ifmediationalsofails
after the Parties have both made a good faith attempt to resolve the dispute in this
manner, either Party may petition the Court for a binding resolution on the dispute.
NothinginthisAgreementwillbeconstruedsoastolimittheParties'rightsinenforcing
thetermsoftheAgreementasstatedherein.
 4. Cooperation. EachPartyagreestofullycooperatewiththeotherPartyintakingany
action necessary or reasonably expedient to execute and carry out the terms of this
Agreement,includingsigning,acknowledging,anddeliveringanydocumentsthatthe
otherPartyreasonablydeemsnecessaryorexpedienttogivingfullforceandeffecttothe
termsstatedherein.

5. Remedies.ThisAgreementandanybreachthereofisenforceableincontractinaddition
toanyremediesthatmaybeavailableundertheCourt'sfinaljudgment,atlaw,orin
equity.

6. Bankruptcy.IntheeventthataPartyfilesbankruptcy,thePartiesintendthatobligations
ofthisAgreementbenondischargeable,specificallyincludingthedivisionofmarital
debtsandassetsandanyobligationtoindemnifytheotherParty.

7. Assignment.ThisAgreementisbindinguponandinurestothebenefitofthePartiesand
theirexecutors,administrators,beneficiaries,heirs,successors,andpermittedassigns,but
onlytotheextentthatsuchassignmentispermittedbythetermsofthisAgreement,ifat
all.

8. Federal,State,andLocalTaxes.EachPartywillbeindividuallyresponsibleforpaying
theamountoffederalandstateincometaxesrequiredbylaw,aswellasallpersonaland
realestatepropertytaxesthatmayberequiredbyfederal,state,orlocallaw,asaresultof
anyandalltransfersofassetsresultingfromthisAgreement.Unlessotherwiseagreedin
writing,thePartieswillfilejointfederalandstateincometaxreturnsuntilthetaxyearin
whichafinaldivorcedecreeisentered.

9. CourtCosts.Anycourtcostsorfees,includinganyfilingfees,willbebornebytheParty
thatincurssuchcostsorfees,orotherwiseasagreedbythePartiesinwriting.

10. Attorney's Fees. Unless otherwise agreed herein, each Party agrees to bear its own
attorney'sfees.

11. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including any attachments, exhibits, and
amendments hereto, represents the entire and singular agreement between the Parties
pertainingtothesettlementofmaritalproperty,finances,andtheothermattersspecified
herein.Anyprioragreements,promises,orrepresentationsnotincludedhereinarevoid
andofnoeffect.ThisAgreementmaynotbemodified,andtherightsstatedhereinmay
notbewaived,exceptbyexpresswrittenagreementbetweentheParties.
12. Reconciliation. In the event of a reconciliation and resumption of marital relations
betweentheParties,thetermsofthisAgreementwillremaininfullforceandeffectuntil
suchtimeasthePartiesexpresslyagreeotherwiseinwriting.

13. NoWaiver. ThefailureordelaybyaPartytoenforcearightorprivilegeunderthis

Agreementwillnotoperateasawaiverofsuchrightorprivilegeorofanyothertermof
thisAgreement,andanysingleorpartialexerciseofarightorprivilegewillnotpreclude
thefurtherexerciseofthatoranyotheradditionalrightsorprivileges.AParty'swaiverof
aparticularrightorprivilegeononeoccasionwillnotpreventthatPartyfromenforcing
thesamerightorprivilegeinthefuture.

14. Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be held to be invalid or

unenforceable for any reason, that provision shall be considered removed from this
Agreement;however,theremainingprovisionsshallcontinuetobevalidandenforceable
according to the intentions of the Parties. If a court finds that any provision of this
Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, but that by limiting such provision it would
become valid and enforceable, then such provision shall be deemed to be written,
construed,andenforcedassolimited.

15. Construction. InthisAgreement,themasculine,feminine,andneutergenderswillbe

interpretedtoincludeeachother,aswillthesingularandplural.Headingsusedhereinare
forconvenienceonlyandwillnotbeinterpretedtogiveanymeaningtotheirrespective
provisions.

16. GoverningLaw.ThisAgreementwillbegovernedandconstruedaccordingtothelaws
oftheStateofIdaho.

17. TermsConcerningMinors.ThePartiesacknowledgethatanytermofthisAgreement
concerningthecare,custody,orsupportofminorchildrenmustbeapprovedbycourt
orderbeforebecominglegallyeffectiveandmayalsobemodifiedbyanycourtwith
competentjurisdictionatalatertime.

18. TaxAdvice.ThePartiesacknowledgethatanyattorneyinvolvedinthismatterisnota
tax expert and that each Party has had the full opportunity to seek advice from an
independent tax professional in order to fully evaluate the tax consequences of this
Agreement.

19. CourtSubmission;NoMerger.ThePartiesagreetosubmitthisAgreementtotheCourt
forapprovalandforsuchotheractionastheCourtmaydeemjustandproper.Either
PartymayofferthisAgreementintoevidencebeforetheCourt,andtheAgreementmay
beincorporatedintoentryofafinaldivorcedecree;however,thisAgreementwillnotbe
mergedintosuchjudgmentbutwillsurviveandbebindingupontheParties.
BysigningthisAgreement,I,JackNewtonFloyd,representandswearthatIhavereadthe
entireAgreement;thatIhavehadthefullopportunitytoseekadvicefromindependent
legalcounselconcerningthis Agreementpriortosigning;thatIamsigningfreelyand
voluntarily;andthatalltermsstatedhereinarefairandreasonableandnottheproductof
fraud,force,orundueinfluence.

________________________Date:__________
JackNewtonFloyd
POBox2332
Coeurd'Alene,Idaho83816
Phone:_____________
Email:_____________

NOTARYACKNOWLEDGMENT

STATEOFIDAHO
COUNTYOF________________

On ________________, before me, _____________________________, personally appeared

JackNewtonFloyd,whoprovedtomeonthebasisofsatisfactoryevidencetobetheperson
whose name is subscribed to within this MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT and
acknowledgedtomethatheorsheexecutedthesameinanauthorizedcapacity,andexecutedthe
instrumentbysigninghisorhersignature.

IcertifyunderPENALTYOFPERJURYthattheforegoingparagraphistrueandcorrect.

WITNESSmyhandandofficialseal.

Print:________________________MyCommissionExpires:________________________

Sign:________________________[Affixseal]

NOTARYPUBLIC
BysigningthisAgreement,I,AmberNicoleFloyd,representandswearthatIhaveread
theentireAgreement;thatIhavehadthefullopportunitytoseekadvicefromindependent
legalcounselconcerningthis Agreementpriortosigning;thatIamsigningfreelyand
voluntarily;andthatalltermsstatedhereinarefairandreasonableandnottheproductof
fraud,force,orundueinfluence.

________________________Date:__________
AmberNicoleFloyd
45GrimesCreekLn
ThompsonFalls,Montana59873
Phone:4063049128
Email:fisherchic1984@gmail.com

NOTARYACKNOWLEDGMENT

STATEOFMONTANA
COUNTYOF________________

On ________________, before me, _____________________________, personally appeared

AmberNicoleFloydwhoprovedtomeonthebasisofsatisfactoryevidencetobetheperson
whose name is subscribed to within this MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT and
acknowledgedtomethatheorsheexecutedthesameinauthorizedcapacities,andexecutedthe
instrumentbysigninghisorhersignature.

IcertifyunderPENALTYOFPERJURYthattheforegoingparagraphistrueandcorrect.

WITNESSmyhandandofficialseal.

Print:________________________MyCommissionExpires:________________________

Sign:________________________[Affixseal]

NOTARYPUBLIC
 InstructionsforYourMaritalSettlementAgreement

Goingthroughadivorcecanbeastressfulanddifficultprocess.Luckily,ourmaritalsettlement
agreementmakesthisprocessasstraightforwardandpainlessaspossible.Theseinstructionswill
helpyoucompleteyourmaritalsettlementagreementandexplainyouroptionswhenfilingfor
divorce,sometimescalledfilingfora"dissolutionofmarriage."

CompletingYourAgreement

DivisionofMaritalPropertyandDebts

Oneofthemainthingsyouwillaccomplishinyouragreementisdecidinghowtodividethe
assetsanddebtsyouoryourspouseacquiredduringthemarriage.Typically,propertythatwas
receivedpriortothemarriageorafterseparationwillremainwiththeoriginalindividualowner.
However,youmaychoosetosplitupyourassetsanywayyouwant,whetherownedjointlyor
individually.Ifyouownedahometogether,thiswilloftenbethelargestassetthatmustbe
divided.Youandyourspousecanagreetoletoneofyoukeepit,oryoumaychoosetosellthe
home and divide the net profits. If any one spouse retains title to the marital home and a
mortgageexistsontheproperty,thatspousemustrefinancethemortgageinhisorherseparate
namewithin60daysofreceivingafinaldivorcedecree.

Althoughyoumayspecifyhowyouwanttodivideanyassetsyouwishintheagreement,youdo
notneedtolisteveryitemthetwoofyouown,unlessyouwantto.Itissufficienttosimplylist
theitemsthathavesignificantmonetaryorsentimentalvalue.Smallknickknacksdon'tneedto
beincludedunlessyoujustwanttobethoroughoroneofthespousesreallycaresaboutthem.
Theagreementstatesthatallpropertynotspecificallylistedwillremainwithwhateverspouse
hasphysicalpossessionofit(ifitisatangibleasset,suchasaboatoranimal)ordocumented
ownershiprights(ifitisanintangibleasset,suchasabankaccountorstock).

Alimony

Statelawvariesastowhatkindandhowmuchalimonyorspousalsupportispermitted.Ifyou
liveinacommunitypropertystate(Arizona,California,Idaho,Louisiana,Nevada,NewMexico,
Texas,Washington,orWisconsin),thenanawardofalimonyinyourcasemaybeprohibitedor
greatlylimited.Therationaleforthisisbecausethespouseinneedofsupportwillalreadybe
compensatedmorefromthemaritalpropertythanheorshewouldinnoncommunityproperty
states. For this reason, it is best to try to limit what you and your spouse agree on in the
agreementasfarastheamountanddurationofthealimonytobepaid.
 AlimonyDuration

Again,statesvaryastohowlongalimonysupportmaylast.Typically,courtspreferto
awardalimonyonashorttermbasis,sayonetothreeyears,untiltheotherspousecan
becomeselfsufficient.However,somecourtswillallowforlongersupportifwarranted
underthecircumstances.Therefore,keepinmindthatthecourthasthepowertoalterthe
alimonyamountandduration.

NameChange

Ourformallowsyoutospecifywhetheraspousewantsanamechange.Althoughyouarenot
requiredtochangeyournamewhenyougetadivorce,manypeoplechoosetodosoaspartof
startingtheirnewlife.Havingthejudgeapproveyourlegalnamechangewillsaveyouthe
additionalhassleandexpenseofhavingtodoitlateroninaseparateprocedure.

ExecutingYourAgreement

Thefinalstepistohavebothspousessigntheagreementinfrontofanotarypublic.Ifyouand
yourspouselivefarapart,orarenotonspeakingterms,onespousecansigninfrontofanotary
andthenmail,email,orfaxittotheotherspouse,whowillalsoneedtosigninfrontofanotary.
Bothpartiesshouldretainacopyofthefullyexecutedagreementfortheirrecords.

FilingforDivorce

Attorneyvs.NoAttorney

Althoughadivorceattorneycanbehelpful,theyarenotrequired.Manypeopleopttohandlethe
divorceontheirownorthroughaneutralthirdpartymediator.Divorceattorneysaremostuseful
when there are issues in the divorce that are hotly contested by the spouses, such as child
custody,alimony,orthedivisionofassets.However,ifbothspousesarewillingtoworktogether
tonegotiateasettlement,thenyoucanprobablygetawaywithnotusinganattorney.Ifyoudo
have a divorce attorney, you can still save yourself expensive legal fees by creating this
agreementyourselfandthenhavingyourattorneyreviewit,insteadofhavingtheattorneydraft
itforyou.

Notethatstatelawvariesgreatlyastothespecificrequirementsforinitiatingadivorcecasein
familycourt.Forhelpfiguringoutthespecificformsandproceduresyoushouldfollow,you
shouldcontactafamilyordivorcecourtadministrator,oftentheClerkofCourt,atthecourtthat
youwillfileyourcasein.

GroundsforDivorce
All50statesnowgrantdivorcebasedonnofaultgrounds.A"nofault"divorceisadivorce
basedontheconsentofbothspouses.Thespousesaresimplyclaimingthattheirmarriageis
irretrievablybrokenduetoirreconcilabledifferences.Manystateshavecompletelydoneaway
with faultbased divorce and now only allow nofault divorces. These states are Arizona,
California,Colorado,DistrictofColumbia,Florida,Hawaii,Iowa,Kentucky,Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and
Wisconsin. If you are filing your case in one of these states, then your agreement will
automaticallyspecifythatyouareseekinganofaultdivorce.

Faultvs.NoFaultDivorce

Ifyouarenotinoneofthestateslistedabove,thenyouwillhavetheoptionofspecifying
whetheryouwantadivorcebasedonfaultornofaultgrounds.Ifyouthinkthatyouand
yourspousecancometoanagreementonthetermsofyourmaritalsettlementagreement,
then it will be easier for you to request a nofault divorce. This is because nofault
divorcesdonotrequireyoutogothroughthetrickyprocessoftryingtoprovethatoneof
thespousesisatfault.

However,therearesomereasonswhyafaultbaseddivorcecouldbemoredesirable.For
instance,courtsmaytakeintoaccountthefaultorbadbehaviorofoneofthespouses
whendeterminingthefollowing:howtodividethemaritalproperty;whichspousewill
have physical and legal custody of any minors; and how much alimony should be
awarded,ifany.Also,notethatitispossibleforthespousethatisatfaulttonotcontest
thegroundsfordivorcebyadmittinghisorherownfault.Commonfaultbasedgrounds
for divorce include adultery, abandonment, cruel and inhumane treatment, habitual
drunkennessordruguse,andfelonyconviction.

ResidencyRequirements

Moststatesrequirethatoneorbothspouseshaveresidedinthestateforacertainamountoftime
beforetheycanfilefordivorceinthatstate.Theresidencyrequirementisusuallysixmonthstoa
year. However, review this chart if you are unsure of whether you meet the residency
requirementinyourstate.YoumayalsosearchonlineorcallthecountyClerkofCourtifyou
needmorehelpfiguringthisout.

BasicStepsforFilingYourDivorce

Firstfileyourpetitionfordivorceordissolutionofmarriage.Youcanobtainthepetition
eitheronyourstate'sfamilylawwebsiteorbycallingtheClerkofCourt. Besureto
 check with the clerk to see if any financial affidavits or other attachments are
requiredtobesubmittedwithyourpetition.

Serveyourspousewiththepetitionandasummons.Thisiscalled"serviceofprocess"
and it will officially put your spouse on notice that you have initiated the divorce
proceedings.Checkyourstatelawstoknowhowtoproperlyservesomeone.Moststates
allowforserviceviacertifiedmail,returnreceiptrequested.Ifyourstateisoneofthefew
thatdoesnotallowforservicebymail,youwillneedtogetalawofficer,privateservice
company,oradisinterestedadulttoservethepapersinpersononyourspouse.

Yourspousewillneedtofilearesponseeitheracceptingorrejectingthestatementsin
yourpetition.Thenyourcasewillbescheduledforahearing.

Whilewaitingforthehearing,youandyourspousecanfinalizethetermsofyourdivorce
settlementagreementtomakesureallthetermsareagreeable.Youwillusuallysubmit
yourDivorceSettlementAgreementbeforethehearingtogivethejudgetimetoreview
itsterms.

Attachcopiesofanycourtordersalreadyissuedpertainingtoyourmarriageortomatters
ofchildsupport.

Atthehearing,ifthejudgefindsthedivorcesettlementagreementfairandthereareno
otherissuestodecide,thejudgewillgrantyourdivorce.Ifthedivorceiscontestedbyone
ofthespousesorthejudgefindsthemaritalsettlementagreementtonotbefair,the
processmaytakelongerandyoumayberequiredtoattendmultiplehearings.

Again,itisagoodideatocontactafamilyordivorcecourtadministrator,usuallythe
ClerkofCourt,togetinformationonthespecificproceduresrequiredinyourstate.