Where is the Divorce/Dissolution Petition Filed?

Divorce is governed by state law, and the divorce process is handled solely at the state government level, so the spouse seeking a divorce files a divorce petition in his or her state's "superior" or "circuit" court -- usually in a county or district branch of that state court.

More on Where to File for Divorce, including a listing of durational residency requirements by state.

Go here for information on courts in your state and/or county.

"Serving" the Divorce Petition

After a divorce/dissolution petition is filed with the court, the petitioner (and his or her lawyer) makes sure that the petition is "served" (legally delivered) on the other spouse. Each state has strict requirements for serving legal documents, including the different methods of service that are available, so it is important that service be done right in order for the divorce to validly proceed.  

Sample Divorce/Dissolution Petitions (or Complaints)

The state-specific samples below should give you an idea of what a divorce/dissolution petition (or complaint) looks like, and the information these documents usually contain:

• Massachusetts: Complaint for Divorce [PDF] (Commonwealth of MA - Hampshire)
• New York: Verified Complaint - Action for Divorce [PDF] (Supreme Court of N.Y.)
• Oregon: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - with Children [PDF] (Oregon Courts)
• Washington: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage [doc] (Washington Courts)