If you are still considering representing yourself, chances are you are making this decision because of financial reasons. Before committing to this choice, explore the available resources in your community for obtaining a pro bono or free lawyer. If you are financially eligible, you may qualify for a legal aid attorney or, in some states, the court can appoint a pro bono attorney to represent you at no cost. You should exhaust all possible resources to obtain an attorney before deciding to appear pro se.

Still committed to being a pro se litigant? You will now need to explore community resources that can help. Many states have uncontested divorce packets that are available through the county clerk's office or even on the Internet for free or at a low cost. This packet will provide you with copies of all the forms you will need to complete an uncontested divorce and directions about the process. If not, you can obtain forms and other necessary information from your local law library. If you are not afraid of paperwork, have little or no assets, and are in agreement with your spouse about how to divide your property and assets, this may be an option worth considering.

If you are looking for a little more help, contact your local legal aid office, law school, or nonprofit legal services provider to ask what resources they may have for pro se litigants. Many of these programs offer clinics that pro se litigants can attend. At a clinic, several attorneys will answer questions or help you complete the paperwork associated with a divorce.

In recent years, the divorce self-help center has sprouted up in many locations. Many of these centers can be a good resource for obtaining forms, directions, and answers to simple questions. Use these self-help centers cautiously as they may be operated by nonattorneys. Make sure the information applies to your jurisdiction and the facts of your case.

The divorce process and filing requirements vary from state to state, which is why it is important for you to understand the requirements of your particular jurisdiction. In some states all you need to do is fill out the required papers, sign them before a notary public, pay your filing fee, and file your papers. Your divorce will be made final through an administrative process. When the decree has been signed, you'll be notified by mail that your divorce is final, or that it will be final a specific number of days after the decree was entered into the court system.

In other states, you'll need to go to court for a final hearing. You bring your judgment and decree, which you have prepared ahead of time, for the judge to approve and sign. If you have to go to court and have no idea what to do when you get there, call the judge's clerk and ask. Don't be afraid to ask the judge's staff! Court staff can be very helpful and will usually provide basic information about the process of a court appearance, but they will not be able to offer legal advice. Always be courteous in dealing with court staff even if they are unable to answer your questions.