Getting your divorce forms from an online service is only one step in the process.
After the documents are generated, you generally still need to review them, sign the required pages, file them with the appropriate court, pay any required filing fee, and complete the required service process.
The exact procedure varies by state and county. Some courts accept e-filing, while others may require filing in person or by mail. Some documents may also require notarization or another specific form of verification.
For example, California Courts explains that divorce forms can be filed in person or by mail, while some courts also offer e-filing. New York Courts similarly note that e-filing availability varies by county.
What Happens After You Download Your Forms?
Downloading your documents does not normally start the divorce case by itself.
The next steps usually involve:
- Reviewing the documents
- Signing the required forms
- Notarizing documents when required
- Making copies
- Filing with the appropriate court
- Paying the filing fee or requesting a waiver
- Serving your spouse when required
- Completing additional court requirements
- Waiting for the court to process the case
- Obtaining the final judgment or decree
The exact sequence can differ.
California Courts, for example, explains that filing the completed forms with the court officially starts the case, followed by service of the filed documents.
Step 1: Reviewing, Printing, and Signing the Documents
Before submitting anything to the court, carefully review every document.
Check:
- Your full legal name.
- Your spouse’s full legal name.
- Marriage date.
- Addresses.
- Children’s information.
- Property information.
- Debt information.
- Income information.
- Support terms.
- Custody and parenting terms.
- Requested orders.
- County and court information.
Compare the final documents with the information you originally entered into the online questionnaire.
If you find an error, correct it before filing whenever possible.
Some online services allow customers to return to their questionnaires and generate revised documents. DivorceWriter, for example, currently states that customers can make revisions for two years.
Printing copies
The number of copies required varies by court.
Do not assume that one printed copy is enough.
For example, California Courts currently instructs people filing in person to bring the original forms and two copies.
Your local court’s instructions should control.
Step 2: Notarizing Your Documents Correctly
Not every divorce document requires notarization.
Whether a document needs a notary depends on the state, court, and specific form.
If notarization is required:
- Do not sign the document before checking the instructions.
- Bring valid identification to the notary.
- Take the complete document.
- Sign in the presence of the notary when required.
- Keep the notarized original safe.
- Make copies only after the required original signature has been completed.
Some courts use sworn affidavits or affirmations that must be signed in front of a notary.
New York’s uncontested divorce materials, for example, include sworn statements and affidavits, and some filings require documents to be signed before a notary.
The important rule is simple: do not notarize documents based on a generic online checklist alone. Follow the instructions for your specific court.
Step 3: Submitting Paperwork to Your Local County Clerk
Once your documents are complete, you need to file them with the correct court.
The filing location depends on state and local rules.
Before filing, confirm:
- Correct county.
- Correct courthouse.
- Correct court division.
- Required forms.
- Number of copies.
- Filing fee.
- Accepted payment methods.
- E-filing availability.
- Mailing requirements.
California Courts specifically recommends checking the local court’s website because some courts require additional local forms.
Knowing what comes next can make filing, serving, and tracking your case feel far more manageable. If you’re still choosing a provider, DivorceServicesReviews can help you compare which services offer clear filing instructions and helpful support along the way. With the right guidance in hand, you can take each step toward your final decree with more confidence.
Filing in Person at the Courthouse
If your court accepts in-person filing, take:
- Original documents.
- Required copies.
- Filing fee or fee-waiver application.
- Identification if required.
- Any additional local forms.
The clerk generally processes the documents and provides confirmation of filing.
California Courts notes that the clerk stamps filed forms and provides a case number when the filing is accepted.
Keep the stamped copies.
They may be needed for service and future filings.
E-Filing Online: Where Available
Some courts allow divorce documents to be filed electronically.
However, e-filing is not available everywhere.
California Courts says that some courts allow online filing and directs users to check the individual court’s rules and approved e-filing providers.
New York Courts similarly states that some counties permit uncontested divorce filings through NYSCEF.
Before uploading documents, check:
- File format.
- Naming requirements.
- Signature rules.
- Payment procedure.
- Required filing codes.
- Service requirements.
- Whether separate documents must be uploaded individually.
Step 4: Paying Your County Filing Fee or Requesting a Fee Waiver
The online service fee and the court filing fee are normally separate expenses.
An online document provider may charge for preparing the forms, while the court charges its own filing fee.
The amount varies significantly by jurisdiction.
For example, California Courts currently lists a divorce filing fee of $435 to $450, while New York Courts currently lists an index-number fee of $210 and explains that an uncontested divorce involves additional filing costs.
If you cannot afford the court fees, check whether your court provides a fee-waiver process.
California Courts allows eligible applicants to request a fee waiver for divorce-related court fees.
New York Courts also provides fee-waiver forms for qualifying divorce cases.
Do not assume that a fee waiver covers every expense. Depending on the jurisdiction, other costs may still apply.
Step 5: Serving Papers to Your Spouse or Filing Jointly
After filing, the next step depends on how the divorce is structured.
In many cases, the filing spouse must formally serve the other spouse with copies of the filed papers.
The filing spouse may not always be allowed to serve the documents personally.
For example, California Courts states that the person starting a standard divorce case cannot serve the papers themselves. Another adult, such as a friend, relative, or professional process server, must do it.
The exact service rules vary.
Possible methods can include:
- Personal service.
- Service by mail.
- Acceptance or acknowledgment of service.
- Service by a process server.
- Sheriff service.
- Alternative service approved by the court.
Some jurisdictions also allow specific uncontested or joint filing procedures that do not follow the standard service process.
New York’s official uncontested divorce materials, for example, distinguish between proof of service and situations where the defendant appears and signs the appropriate documents.
Follow the instructions for your court rather than assuming that an agreement with your spouse eliminates every service requirement.
Step 6: Tracking Your Case Until the Final Decree Is Signed
Filing the paperwork does not necessarily mean the divorce is complete.
After filing, the case may still require:
- Response from the other spouse.
- Proof of service.
- Additional forms.
- Financial documents.
- Waiting periods.
- A hearing.
- Judicial review.
- Corrections.
- Final judgment paperwork.
Keep a case file containing:
- Filed documents.
- Stamped copies.
- Case number.
- Payment receipts.
- Proof of service.
- Court notices.
- Correspondence.
- Final judgment or decree.
Check the court’s online case system if one is available.
If the court sends a notice requesting corrections or additional documents, respond within the required deadline.
The final step is obtaining the official divorce judgment or decree signed by the court.
Do not assume that receiving a filing confirmation means the marriage has already been legally dissolved.
Final Thoughts
Using an online divorce service can simplify the document-preparation stage, but you still have to complete the court process.
After downloading your forms:
- Review every document carefully.
- Correct errors before filing.
- Sign documents according to court instructions.
- Notarize only documents that require notarization.
- File with the correct court.
- Pay the filing fee or request a waiver if eligible.
- Complete service requirements.
- Keep copies and proof of every filing.
- Monitor the case until the final judgment is entered.
The exact process depends on your state, county, and type of divorce. Official court websites should always be treated as the final source for current filing procedures, fees, forms, and local requirements.