Fill and Sign the Instructions This Worksheet is Designed to Be Used by Persons Contemplating a Divorce Form

- 1 - Divorce Information and Worksheet Instructions: This worksheet is designed to be used by persons contemplating a divorce. It may also be used by your attorney. Completing this form before your initial interview with your attorney may save you valuable time and money. Part 1 - Definitions – Terms and Explanations Definitions – Terms and Explanations 1. Complaint The pleading used to commence a divorce action that is filed with the court clerk, usually in the county of residence of the parties. 2. Petition Same as complaint. Some States use the term Petition instead of complaint. 3. Plaintiff Or Petitioner The person who files the complaint. May be called Petitioner if a Petition is used instead of a complaint. If a Joint Complaint is allowed, the parties may be called Co-Plaintiffs or Co-Complainants. 4. Defendant Or respondent The person who the complaint is filed against. This person is usually required to answer the complaint within a certain number of days, or file a waiver to the complaint. After the complaint is filed, the defendant is usually served with a copy of the complaint and a summons directing the defendant to answer the complaint. 5. Co-Plaintiffs When both parties sign the complaint in a divorce action it is called a Joint Complaint or Joint Petition. Some states allow Joint complaints and some do not. 6. Summons This is a document signed by the Court Clerk and served on the defendant. It informs the defendant that a complaint has been filed and directs the defendant to file an answer within the required time. 7. Cover Sheet Some states require a cover sheet to be filed with the complaint, petition or joint complaint which provides basic information about the parties and the action. These are used by the court for easy reference and also sometimes for statistic reporting. Some clerks will supply you with the required cover sheet and others will direct you to where a copy can be obtained.
8. Statement of issues and request for relief —