Q: I have sent my spouse dissolution papers many times but she either won't sign them or keeps changing them. What do I do?
A:
First, I assume you have talked to your spouse about it, found out why he/she won't sign, and decided it's something you can't agree to. Either that or he/she refuses to communicate with you.
If that's the case, then you will have to file a normal divorce complaint. Unless you choose to have a lawyer do it for you, you can get the necessary forms on the court system's website (the same place you got the dissolution form). Be sure to follow all the instructions that come with the forms. If your spouse answers, the court will set a hearing. If your spouse doesn't file an answer, you will need to file the forms for default, and the divorce can be granted even if your spouse refuses to participate. You don't necessarily need a lawyer for all of this, but it's not a bad idea to consult with one at some point during the process. There are a lot of things you could miss that might be critical. A single consultation may be enough to identify those potential problems and give you the advice you need to do it right.
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