Filing for divorce involves careful paperwork, and even a small error can delay the process or lead to legal complications. If you’re handling your own divorce or working with an attorney, avoiding these common printing mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration.
1. Using the Wrong Forms
Each state (and sometimes county) has specific divorce forms required by the court. Common mistakes include:
Downloading outdated or generic forms
Using forms from the wrong jurisdiction
Missing supplemental documents (financial affidavits, parenting plans)
✅ Solution: Verify the correct forms on your local court’s website or consult a legal professional.
2. Incorrect or Incomplete Information
Even small errors can cause rejection, such as:
Misspelled names or incorrect dates
Blank sections that should be filled out
Missing signatures or notarization
✅ Solution: Double-check every field before printing. If unsure, have a divorce attorney or paralegal review your paperwork.
3. Poor Print Quality & Illegible Documents
Courts require clear, readable documents. Avoid:
Faded or smudged ink
Low-resolution scans of handwritten forms
Cropped or misaligned pages
✅ Solution: Use a high-quality printer, black ink, and standard white paper (8.5″ x 11″).
4. Printing Single-Sided When Double-Sided Is Required
Some courts require duplex (double-sided) printing for certain forms. Printing single-sided when it’s not allowed can lead to rejection.
✅ Solution: Check your court’s filing instructions or call the clerk’s office to confirm formatting rules.
5. Not Making Enough Copies
Most courts require:
An original set for filing
A copy for your records
Additional copies for your spouse (if served)
Running out of copies can delay the process.
✅ Solution: Print at least 3-4 sets—one for the court, one for you, one for your spouse, and an extra in case of errors.
