Private
Public
Your Response
You will learn:
1. Which forms to file.
2. The terms.
3. How to file.
2. Terms
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Petitioner
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The partner who starts the case.
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Respondent
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The partner who responds after a case is filed.
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Petition
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The document that starts the case. It tells the Judge what the Petitioner wants.
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Serve/Service
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The term for giving a copy of your paperwork to the other spouse.
3. File
- File Where?
File in the District Court.
- The address for your District Court should be on the top left of the forms you got.
- File What?
Required
- Response - JDF 1271
Optional
- What do I Pay?
To Start the Case
- $116. Or,
- File a Motion to Waive Fees - JDF JDF 205. Also file - JDF 206.
- Note - Fees cannot be waived if E-Filing.
Per-Filing Fee
- For electronic filings only.
- $12 Convenience Fee.
- $7.50+ Service Fee.
- How do I File?
By Mail
- Pay by check.
At the Courthouse
- Pay with cash, check, or card.
- Check your Court for card types accepted.
By E-Filing
- Set up an account.
- Only available in some counties.
- Pay by card.
- You cannot waive fees if filing electronically.
4. Give a Copy
You must serve the paperwork on your partner, by:
- Mail,
- Hand-delivery, or
- E-Service.
- Only done if the paperwork was submitted by E-Filing