The first step in filing for divorce is to file a petition with the court. This petition must include information about the marriage, the grounds for divorce, and the relief sought.

In most states, the only ground for divorce is irreconcilable differences. This means that the marriage has broken down irretrievably and there is no hope of reconciliation.

In a contested divorce, the spouses cannot agree on the terms of the divorce. This means that the court will have to decide the issues of property division, child custody, and spousal support.

A financial affidavit is a document that lists all of the assets and debts of the spouses. This document is used by the court to determine how to divide the marital property.

Child custody includes the legal right to make decisions about a child's upbringing, the physical care and control of a child, and the financial support of a child.

Spousal support is money that one spouse pays to the other spouse after a divorce. This money is intended to help the receiving spouse maintain the same standard of living that they enjoyed during the marriage.

The time it takes to get a divorce depends on the state, the complexity of the case, and whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

The best way to prepare for a divorce is to talk to a lawyer, gather financial information, and create a parenting plan.

Some of the common mistakes people make when filing for divorce include not hiring a lawyer, not gathering financial information, and not creating a parenting plan.

Some of the resources available to people who are going through a divorce include lawyers, mediators, and counselors.