You have to be a resident of the State and you have to have lived in the county in which you file your divorce papers for at least a year before you file the complaint. The person who files the divorce is called a “plaintiff”. The person who receives the complaint is the “defendant”. The papers called “pleadings” are filed with the county clerk in the county which you reside. There is a filing fee of $300 if there no children or $325 if there is a child or children. Once files you will receive a copy which is stamped with a docket number. That becomes your “ticket” on to the court calendar and reference number for your divorce. If you don’t resolve your difference by an agreement a judge is assigned to hear your case and make all decisions.
