Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.
I dropped off my forms at the clerk's window and paid the fee. The clerk stamped them and handed me copies. Now I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do — does the court contact me, or do I have to do something to let my spouse know? I don't want to mess up the next step.
After you file, you usually have to formally notify your spouse (that's called service) and then file a proof that you did it. The court won't do that part for you. There are step-by-step guides on the official courts self-help site.
Around the case
Other things people in your situation usually need to handle. Some are paid partners; some are free community resources — labeled clearly.
LSC · Find local legal aid
Legal-aid directory · Free · income-qualified
Legal Services Corporation directory of every nonprofit legal-aid program in the US. Most provide free representation for income-qualified clients.
Find your local office →Open Path Collective
Affordable therapy directory · Free directory · $40–$80 / session
Nonprofit therapist network — every member commits to $40–$80 session pricing for clients in financial distress. National coverage.
Find a therapist →Swift Serve
Process server · $90–$120 typical
Same-day service on family-court papers. Flat fee, transparent pricing, certified Proof of Service delivered back.
Get a quote →Share what helped you. Be kind — and remember this is your experience, not legal advice.
Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.
