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Finalize your divorce

To finish your divorce or legal separation, you must turn in a set of final forms. If you have any court orders or an agreement, you submit those as well. The court will review these forms to be sure nothing is missing and no mistakes on the forms. If not, the judge will sign the final form (the judgment). If you asked for a divorce, the judgment will state the exact day your marriage or domestic partnership officially ends.

The steps you need to take and forms you need to fill out vary a bit depending on:

If there's a default
If you have a written agreement
If your final orders address child custody or child support

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At a glance

The process for finalizing a divorce

These are the general steps to finish your divorce whether or not you have a default, an agreement, or had a trial.

Get step-by-step instructions based on your specific situation

Fill out forms

Fill out the final order to end your marriage (a Judgment) along with other forms.
Submit forms to the clerk

Make copies of the forms and prepare return envelopes. Mail or bring the forms and envelopes to the court clerk.
Wait

A judge must review your forms. If everything is correct, the judge will sign.
Receive signed judgment

You will receive the signed judgment in the mail or pick it up at the court.

Finalize your divorce

Fill out forms

Submit forms to the clerk

Wait

Receive signed judgment

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