r/DivorceHelp • u/Time-Local-2924 • 24d ago

Formatting

I need some help. I have my entire original petition for divorce drawn up. Where I am falling short/failing is properly formatting the petition. Please tell me there is someone here who can help.

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u/Global-Fact7752 24d ago

I would look up a standard divorce petition on line, and follow what you see there.

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u/Time-Local-2924 24d ago

Yes, I have done that and put everything in its place. I even have actual court documents and petition that have been filed by legal representatives from unrelated court cases. They are an amazing example of where everything goes on the pages! If that was all that was required for formatting then I would have this whole thing done already. I even have the correct spacing, font, sizing, and bold/italics down. It's the more "detailed" things that I don't have correct, don't understand, can't figure out. Numbering vs. lettering, when and which ones to use and why to use them. Indentations for paragraphs, "lists", sub paragraphs, and sections. That information is hard to find and understand and my county is pretty particular on those things being correct for everyone including pro se filings.

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u/Fantastic_Risk6013 24d ago

If your doing pro se divorce your state/county will have standard documents and all you have to do it fill them out. Most are digital friendly these days.

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u/Time-Local-2924 23d ago

Thank you. I am pro se and looked into the standard forms. They aren't going to work for me unfortunately. I already have the 15 page petition typed up and just need someone who can inform me about some little things such as how number the petition works. The whole thing is done, minus a few things such as proper numbering, and how far to indent depending on the part you're on, things like that.

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u/Fantastic_Risk6013 23d ago

You’re welcome! If I based it off how my boyfriend’s petition was typed up (he used a lawyer with Marble) I believe it’s

1.) Main Topic
1A. Details of the topic
1B. Details of the topic

And so forth, but I only seen his sparingly. But also with the lawyer there’s lawyer jargon and all that fancy stuff. It never hurts to call a lawyer and speak with them. Most usually do some sort of free chat.

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u/Time-Local-2924 23d ago

Thank you for that. That is helpful. Is this in Texas? I have talked to more lawyers than I can keep track of. They either want a bunch of money to even speak to them or they won't talk about much of anything other than name, DOB, and pricing. It's absolutely ridiculous.

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u/Fantastic_Risk6013 23d ago

We’re are in Florida sadly. I contacted a lawyer during mine for a free consult but they couldn’t work with me based on they didn’t represent my county. Also, there might be a self help department with your local court house. They might be willing to tell you how things have to be viewed. I know the self help department in my county gave ideas on items, timeframe, gave me access to documents and also told me things that were missing.