What the petition does
The petition opens the divorce case and gives the court basic jurisdiction and case information. It is not the same thing as the final decree. Think of it as the document that asks the court to begin the divorce process.
- Identifies the petitioner and respondent, plaintiff and defendant, or joint petitioners depending on state terminology.
- States the marriage date, separation facts if relevant, and residency basis for the filing state.
- Tells the court whether minor children are involved.
- Requests divorce and may request orders about property, debt, support, parenting, and name restoration.