Divorce – Baby Steps to Big Steps

Woman walking awayMaybe after much thought, you have finally decided that you are ready to file for divorce. You expect that this will a big project, especially having seen how extensive the initial paperwork can be. You might also be feeling that you just need to get through the busy holiday season before you take any real steps.

First, be aware that the MNCourts online I-CAN system can help you streamline the preparation of your initial divorce filing. It does this by allowing you to type in information as prompted, and then by storing it and then formatting it into your own personalized petition papers to file.  Do you manage to find unscheduled bits of downtime during your busy holiday season? If so, here’s a suggestion for getting your divorce preparation underway:  Simply download or print out the Fast Facts worksheet from the I-CAN page, and then fill in the blanks provided for information such as addresses, birthdates, account numbers, etc. as your time permits.  Later on when you are less busy, you can take this written information you have prepared and sit down to enter it into your electronic I-CAN account.  Alternatively, you can get your new I-CAN account set up through your email, ready to access again at your convenience.

When you have your divorce initiation paperwork completed and printed out, you will want to make an appointment with the Ramsey Family Self-Help Center to go over these documents with their staff and make sure they are complete for filing.  There are other tools which can help you prepare for your upcoming divorce.  For instance, The Scott County Law Library offers a free divorce workshop every fourth Saturday of the month for those who might like some assistance with the I-CAN system.  If you are concerned for your safety, you may also want to consult the Ramsey Family Domestic Abuse/Harassment Office.

Good luck as you look ahead to 2016.

 

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