Whether to Divorce
Divorce is a serious and often painful process that should not be taken lightly, especially if children are involved. The following articles are intended to help anyone considering divorce make an informed decision. This section includes information on options open to married couples considering splitting, including divorce as well as other options, such as annulment and legal separation. It also includes information to help you decide whether you should hire a divorce lawyer, basics on what divorce can (and cannot) do for you, including division of property and child custody issues, a glossary of divorce terms, important factors to consider before filing for divorce and how to get started if you decide divorce is the right course of action. For basics on the divorce process, download FindLaw's Guide to Getting a Divorce [pdf].
- Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer?
Discover whether your circumstances warrant the services of a divorce lawyer, or whether you can go it alone
- Divorce - Overview
Introductory information on the topic of divorce - what it is, how to obtain residency (for divorce purposes), and grounds for divorce (FindLaw Bookshelf)
- Deciding Whether or Not to Divorce
Things to consider when you're thinking of divorcing your spouse (FindLaw Bookshelf)
- Divorce: What It Can and Cannot Do for You
Discussion of the realities of divorce, such as division of property disagreements, child custody disputes, and emotional issues
- A Divorce Timeline
Chronology of how the average divorce proceeds
- Deciding to Proceed with a Divorce
So you've decided to divorce. Now what? (FindLaw Bookshelf)
- Divorce Glossary
Glossary of terms and phrases related to divorce and the divorce process
- Impact of Divorce on Spouses
Discusses spouse's emotional reactions to divorce, including depression, anger, jealousy, and denial (FindLaw Bookshelf)
- Reaction of Children to Divorce
Discusses children's reaction to divorce, including fear of abandonment, anger, and regression (FindLaw Bookshelf)
- Annulment and Separation FAQ
Frequently asked questions about a few options before divorce
- Legal Separation
Information and resources on legal separation before divorce, including sample separation agreement and state legal forms
- Divorce or Annulment?
Information and resources on "annulment" -- the theory that your marriage never existed