There are certain terms and particulars that are important to know when filing for divorce.
Terms you may hear include:
Petitioner: The spouse who initiates the divorce by filing the appropriate documents with the court.
Respondent: The spouse who did not initiate the divorce and did not file but received the documents through service.
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: This is the document that is initially filed, where the petitioner asks the respondent for divorce and requests that the court grant it.
Decree of Dissolution of Marriage: This is the final document that a judge signs deeming the marriage to be dissolved.