(SSSD)Apply for a divorce

You'll need

• your completed forms, and
• $80 in filing fees.

Prepare your application

Now that you've completed all the documents, you need to apply for your divorce.

Make one copy of your completed forms:

• Requisition (Form F17)
• Requisition (Form F35)
• Draft Final Order (Form F52)
• Certificate of Pleadings (Form F36)
• Affidavit of Personal Service (Form F15)
• Child Support Affidavit (Form F37), if it applies, with your separation agreement or court orders attached as exhibits
• Affidavit — Desk Order Divorce (Form F38)

File your application at the registry

Take the original set and the copy of your documents to the registry. The registry staff will review your documents. If your documents are ready to file, they take your payment for your application of divorce. (As of June 2022, it costs $80.) They stamp the original and the copy, and give the copy back to you.

Ask the registry staff when your divorce order is likely to be ready for pick up.

Pick up your signed divorce order

The registry won't let you know when the order has been signed. You have to contact them after four weeks to see if it's ready.

Once you've picked up your divorce order, keep a copy of it in a safe place.

When will you be divorced?

The divorce becomes effective 31 days after the judge signed the order. For example, if the judge signed your divorce order on September 15, your divorce becomes final on October 16.

These 31 days are the appeal period. In theory, the other person can file a last-minute appeal during this time to stop the divorce. But this is rare.