Please see specific state for details and/or differences.

ALABAMA | ALASKA | ARIZONA | ARKANSAS | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | DELAWARE | FLORIDA 
 GEORGIA | HAWAII | IDAHO | ILLINOIS | INDIANA | IOWA | KANSAS | KENTUCKY | LOUISIANA | MAINE | MARYLAND 
 MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN | MINNESOTA | MISSISSIPPI | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEBRASKA | NEVADA 
 NEW HAMPSHIRE | NEW JERSEY | NEW MEXICO | NEW YORK | NORTH CAROLINA | NORTH DAKOTA | OHIO 
 OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | RHODE ISLAND | SOUTH CAROLINA | SOUTH DAKOTA | TENNESSEE 
 TEXAS | UTAH | VERMONT | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON | WEST VIRGINIA | WISCONSIN | WYOMING

ALABAMA
A divorce action is commenced by the Plaintiff filing a complaint with the Clerk of Circuit Court. The court approves issuance of a Summons which is notice to the Defendant that a divorce action has been commenced as indicated by the attached petition for divorce. The summons and Complaint must be served personally on the Defendant. The laws of each state specify which information must be contained in the Plaintiff’s Petition for Divorce. In Alabama, a divorce action must proceed in the same manner as a civil lawsuit. The complaint must allege that the Plaintiff is seeking a divorce. The complaint must allege the residency requirement and the grounds for the divorce. The complaint typically provides the court with financial information about the parties. The complaint should provide names, addresses, and birth dates of the children. The complaint concludes with the prayer for relief which is a request that the court grant the specific relief such as divorce, custody, etc.  Alabama Code 30-2-5 and 30-2-8.

ALASKA
A dissolution action is commenced by filing a Petition for Dissolution with the Clerk of Court. The clerk issues a Summons. The Summons and the Petition are then served on the Respondent. The Petition must allege factual information including the names, addresses, and birth dates of the parties; the date and place of the marriage; the names and birth dates of minor children; the grounds alleged for requesting the dissolution; and other factual and financial information about the parties and their circumstances. The Petition concludes with a “prayer for relief,” which is a general request for the relief sought by the Petitioner.

If the Petitioner is filing a Petition pursuant to the expedited dissolution statutes, the Petition must also allege the no-fault ground (irremediable breakdown of the marriage), that the spouses have agreed as to the distribution of all property, an award of custody, an award of child support, and all other issues, and that the signed Petition constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.
AS 25.24.210.

ARIZONA
An action for dissolution of marriage is commenced by filing a Petition with the Clerk of Superior Court. The clerk issues a Summons which has been prepared by the Petitioner. The Summons and Petition must be served on the Respondent within 120 days after the Petition was filed or the action will be dismissed. The verified Petition in a proceeding for dissolution of marriage shall allege that the marriage is irretrievably broken or one or both of the parties desire to live separate and apart, whichever is appropriate. The Petition shall also state the following: 1) the date of birth, occupation, and address of each party and the length of domicile in the state; 2) the date and place of marriage; 3) the names, dates of birth, and addresses of all living children, and whether the wife is pregnant; 4) the details of any agreements between the parties as to support, custody, and visitation of the children and maintenance of a spouse; and 5) the relief requested by the Petitioner.  ARS §25-314.

ARKANSAS
An action for divorce is commenced by the plaintiff filing a complaint with the Clerk of Chancery Court. The clerk issues a summons. The summons and complaint must be personally served on the defendant who must file his response to the complaint within twenty days or the plaintiff can ask the court for a default judgment. At a minimum, the complaint should allege the names and residences of both parties, the grounds upon which plaintiff is basing the request for divorce, that the plaintiff has been a resident in Arkansas for at least 60 days prior to the filing of the complaint, names and residences of minor children, general financial information about the parties and their assets, and the relief requested by the plaintiff.  Ark. stat. Ann. 9-12-301, 9-12-304, and 9-12-307.

In all cases where the support and care of any child is involved, the complaint must also allege the social security number of each party and the name and address of each party’s current employer.  Ark. stat. Ann. 9-14-205.

CALIFORNIA
A party commences an action for dissolution of marriage by filing a Petition for Dissolution in the Superior Court. The person who starts the proceeding is the Petitioner, and the other party is the Respondent. A Summons is notice to the Respondent that a response must be filed within 30 days, or the Petitioner can proceed by default. The Petitioner’s Petition must contain specific information and must be in a form consistent with the Family Law Rules. At a minimum, the Petition shall set forth the following facts: 1) date and place of marriage; 2) date of separation and number of years between marriage and separation; 3) name and age and date of birth of all minor children; and 4) the social security numbers of the husband and wife. The Petition states, in a general way, the relief requested by the Petitioner. The Petition must be verified by the Petitioner. The specific form to be followed for a Petition is contained in Family Law Rule 1281. The Petition must include the following notice: “Please review your Will, insurance policies, retirement benefit plans, credit cards, other credit accounts and credit reports, and other matters that you may want to change in view of a dissolution or annulment of your marriage, or your legal separation. Dissolution or annulment of your marriage may automatically change a disposition made by your Will to your former spouse.” Cal. Fam. Code §2024 and 2330; Family Law Rule 1281.

If the Petitioner is requesting custody of children, then the Petition or a separate Affidavit attached to the Petition shall give verified information as to the present address of the children, the places where the children have lived in the last five years, the names and present addresses of the persons with whom the children have lived during that five year period, whether the party has participated as a party or witness in any other litigation concerning the custody of the children in California or any other state, and whether the party has information of any pending custody proceeding concerning the children.
Cal. Fam. Code §3409.

COLORADO
An action for dissolution of marriage is commenced by filing a Petition with the Clerk of District Court. A Summons is then issued. A Summons notifies the Respondent that an action for dissolution has been commenced, and the Respondent must file a response to the Petition within 20 days or the Petitioner can request a default judgment. The Summons and Petition must be served on the Respondent. The Petition must allege that the marriage has been irretrievably broken - the only ground for dissolution of marriage in Colorado. The Petition must also allege at least the following information: 1) the residence of each party and the length of residence in the state; 2) the date and place of the marriage; 3) the date of separation of the parties; 4) the names and ages and addresses of children of the marriage and whether the wife is pregnant; 5) a description of existing arrangements as to custody and support of the children and the maintenance of a spouse. The Petition also includes other financial information to inform the court as to the present financial circumstances of the parties. The Petition concludes with a description of the relief being requested by the Petitioner.  CRSA §14-10-107.

CONNECTICUT
A dissolution of marriage action is commenced by the Plaintiff filing a Complaint and a Writ of Summons. The Writ is signed by a judge or clerk of the court. The Writ of Summons is required to be on a form substantially in compliance with the forms issued by the Chief Court Administrator. For dissolution actions, the Writ of Summons must be Form JD-FM-3.

In Connecticut, the person who initiates the dissolution of marriage action is called the Plaintiff, and the other person is called the Defendant. The Plaintiff’s Complaint must state the date and place of the marriage, the facts satisfying the residency requirement, and basic factual information about the income and assets of the parities. Every Complaint shall also state the name and date of birth of each child born of the marriage, whether there are any other minor children born to the wife since the date of the marriage of the parties, and the name of any individual or agency responsible by court order for the custody or support of any child. These requirements shall be met whether a child is born of the marriage or not and whether custody of children is sought in the action. In every case in which the state or any agency of the state has contributed to the support or maintenance of a party or child of the party, such facts shall be stated in the Complaint and a copy of the Complaint served on the attorney general or town clerk.  C.G.S.A. §46b-45, §49, and §453, Superior Court Rules.

DELAWARE
A divorce action is commenced by either party filing a Petition for Divorce with the Clerk of Family Court. The clerk issues a Summons and the Summons and Petition must be served personally on the Defendant. The Summons must be returned to the court with proof of service within 20 days after filing. Each original Petition for Divorce filed with the court shall contain, as an Exhibit to the Petition, a certified copy of the certificate of the marriage between the parties. Except upon prior approval of the court upon special application, the clerk shall not accept for filing, any Petition not in conformity with this requirement. Two conformed copies of the Petition shall be filed, along with the original. The Petition shall be verified by the Petitioner and shall include the following information: 1) age, occupation, and residence of each party, and length of residence in Delaware to show compliance with the six-month residency requirement; 2) date and place of marriage; 3) date of separation; 4) names, ages, and addresses of all living children and whether the wife is pregnant; 5) whether there have been any prior proceedings for divorce or separation between the parties; 6) an allegation that the marriage is irretrievably broken; 7) relevant financial information; and 8) the relief requested by Petitioner.

In any case where there are living children of the marriage, the Petitioner shall submit the Petition and Affidavit signed by the Petitioner showing that the Petitioner has read or has been advised of the following children’s rights which shall be set forth in full in the Affidavit: 1) the right to a continuing relationship with both parties; 2) the right to be treated as an important human being with unique feelings, ideas, and desires; 3) the right to continuing care and guidance from both parents; 4) the right to know and appreciate what is good in each parent without one parent degrading the other; 5) the right to express love, affection, and respect for each parent without having to stifle that love because of fear of disapproval by the other parent; 6) the right to know that the parents’ decision to divorce was not the responsibility of the child; 7) the right not to be a source of argument between the parents; 8) the right to honest answers to questions about the changing family relationships; 9) the right to be able to experience regular and consistent contact with both parents and the right to know the reasons for any cancellation of time or change of plans; 10) the right to have a relaxed, secure relationship with both parents without being placed in a position to manipulate one parent against the other.

If child support is an issue in a case, the parties are required to provide the court with financial information on a required form called the “Rule 16(a) Financial Report.” If there are minor children involved, the Petitioner must also provide additional information regarding the children and any other custody proceedings involving the children including the information in the Petition or in an Affidavit attached to the Petition.  13 DCA §1507 and Rule 101, Family Court Civil Rules.

FLORIDA
An action for dissolution of marriage is commenced by filing a Petition for Dissolution with the clerk of court. The Petition and a Summons issued by the clerk must then be served personally on the Respondent. The Petition must allege that the Petitioner has been a resident of Florida for at least six months prior to filing the Petition, the date and place of the marriage, that the marriage has been irretrievably broken, a general description of the income and assets of the parties, identification of the children of the parties, and other allegations regarding the parties’ position on alimony, custody, and division of assets. If there are minor children, the Petitioner must allege in the Petition or in a separate Affidavit attached to the Petition, information about a child including the child’s present address, the places where the child has lived within the last five years, and the names and present addresses of the persons with whom the child has lived during that period of time. Further, in the Petition or separate Affidavit, the Petitioner shall also allege whether he has participated as a party or witness or in any other capacity in any other litigation concerning the custody of the same child in Florida or in any other state, whether he has information of any custody proceeding concerning the child pending in any other court, and whether he knows of any person not a party to the proceedings who has physical custody of the child or claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to the child. Each party to the proceeding has a continuing duty to inform the court of any custody proceeding concerning the child in Florida or in any other state.
FSA §61.132 and Form 1.943, Rules of Civil Procedure.  The Petitioner must also file a Civil Cover Sheet with the Petition.
Rule 1.100, Rules of Civil Procedure.

GEORGIA
A divorce action is commenced by one spouse filing a Petition for Divorce with the Clerk of Superior Court. The clerk issues a Summons. Then the Summons and Petitions must be personally served on the Respondent. The Petition must be verified by the Petitioner and shall contain at least the following information: 1) Respondent’s residence or last known address; 2) the Petitioner’s residence and that the Petitioner has resided within the state of Georgia for at least six months prior to filing the Petition; 3) date of the marriage and date of the separation; 4) name and age of any minor children; 5) the statutory ground upon which a divorce is sought; 6) a description of the income and property of the parties; and 7) a description of the relief requested by Petitioner. The Respondent may file with the court and serve on the Petitioner a written demand for a detailed statement of the facts upon which the grounds are based.  GC §19-5-5.

HAWAII
A divorce action is commenced in Hawaii by the Plaintiff filing a Complaint for Divorce with the Clerk of Family Court. The clerk issues a Summons. The Summons and Complaint are then served personally on the Defendant who must file a Response within twenty days. The Complaint must be signed and verified by the Plaintiff and must state the following information: the Plaintiff has been domiciled or physically present in Hawaii for at least six months prior to the filing of the Complaint, the marriage has been irretrievably broken or the parties have been separated for the required length of time to constitute a grounds for divorce, the names and addresses of the parties, the names and dates of birth of minor children, that the Plaintiff is not party or witness in any other custody proceeding and the Plaintiff does not know of any other custody proceeding pending in Hawaii or in any other state, information about the income and assets of the party, and a description of the relief requested by Plaintiff.  HRS §580-2.

IDAHO
A divorce action is commenced by one party filing a Complaint for Divorce with the Clerk of District Court. The clerk issues a Summons. The Summons and Complaint must be personally served on the Defendant. The Complaint must allege the residency requirement--that the Plaintiff has been a resident of Idaho for at least six weeks before filing of the Complaint--and the grounds for the divorce. If there are minor children involved, a Complaint should also state 1) names and dates of birth of all minor children; 2) places where the children have resided during the last five years and the names and present addresses of any persons with whom the children have lived during that period; 3) whether the Plaintiff has participated in any other litigation concerning the custody of the same children in Idaho or in any other state; 4) Whether Plaintiff has information of any custody proceeding concerning the same children pending in Idaho or in any other state; and 5) whether Plaintiff knows of any other person who has physical custody of the children or claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to the children. The Complaint should also describe the income and assets of the parties. The Complaint should summarize the relief requested by the Plaintiff.  IC §32-603, 32-701, and 32-1109.

ILLINOIS
An action for dissolution of marriage in Illinois is commenced by one spouse filing a Petition with the clerk of court. The clerk then issues a Summons which, together with the Petition, must be personally served on the Respondent. The Petition must be verified by the Petitioner and, at a minimum, must contain the following information: 1) the age, occupation, and residence of each party, and length of residence within the state; 2) date and place of the marriage; 3) that one of the parties has been a resident of the state for at least 90 days prior to the commencement of the action; 4) the specific grounds for dissolution upon which the Petitioner is basing the action; 5) the names, ages, and addresses of all living children of the marriage and whether the wife is pregnant; 6) any arrangements as to support, custody, and visitation of the children and maintenance of the spouse; and 7) the relief being requested by the Petitioner.
750 ILCS 5/403.

The parties to a dissolution proceeding may file a joint petition for simplified dissolution if they certify that the following conditions exist at the time the proceeding is commenced: 1) neither party is dependent on the other for support or each party is willing to waive the right to support, and the parties understand that consultation with attorneys may help them determine eligibility for spousal support; 2) one of the parties has been a resident of the state for at least 90 days; 3) irreconcilable differences have caused the irretrievable breakdown of a marriage, the parties have been separated six months or more and efforts at reconciliation have failed or future attempts at reconciliation would be impracticable and not in the best interest of the family; 4) no children were born of the relationship of the parties or adopted by the parties during the marriage and the wife is not pregnant by the husband; 5) the duration of the marriage does not exceed five years; 6) neither party has any interest in real estate; 7) the parties waive any rights to spousal maintenance; 8) the total fair market value of all marital property, after deducting all encumbrances, is less than $5,000 and the combined gross annualized income from all sources is less than $25,000; 9) the parties have disclosed to each other all assets and their tax returns for all years of the marriage; and 10) the parties have executed a written agreement dividing all assets in excess of $100 in value and allocating responsibility for debts between the parties. Upon request, the court clerk shall supply forms to be used by any party seeking a simplified dissolution.  750 ILCS 5/452 and 5/456.

INDIANA
A person starts a divorce action by serving a Summons and Petition or Petition on the other spouse. A Summons is a document notifying the other person that they are being sued and that they must file a response with the court within a certain time or they will lose the case by default. The Petition, often called a Petition in a divorce case, is the first document initiating a lawsuit. The laws of each state specify what information must be contained in the Petition. The Petition concludes with a "prayer for relief," which is a request that the court grant specific relief, for example, a divorce, custody of children, a fair division of property, etc.

In Indiana, the Petition shall be verified by the Petitioner and must contain at least the following information: 1) residence of each party and the length of residence in the state and county; 2) date of the marriage; 3) date of separation; 4) names, ages, and addresses of any living children under 21 years of age, whether there are any incapacitated children of the marriage, and whether the wife is pregnant; 5) the grounds for dissolution of the marriage; and 6) the relief requested by Petitioner. The Petition should also describe the income and assets of the party. The Petition should also state whether the Petitioner is a party to or is aware of any other custody proceeding involving the children pending in another court in Indiana or in any other court.  AIC §31-1-11.5-4.

IOWA
In Iowa, the person who initiates a dissolution of marriage is called the Petitioner, and the other spouse is called the Respondent. The Petitioner commences the action for dissolution of marriage by filing the Petition and a form called “Original Notice” with the Clerk of Court. The Petitioner also files written instructions specifying how the Petition and original Notice can be personally served on the Respondent. The original Notice is formal notification to the Respondent that a response must be filed to the Petition within 20 days, or the Petitioner can request a default.

The Petition for dissolution of marriage must contain the following: 1) name, date of birth, address, and county of residence of the Petitioner and the name and address of the Petitioner’s attorney; 2) place and date of the marriage of the parties; 3) name, date of birth, address, and county of residence of the Respondent; 4) name and age of each minor child; 5) whether or not a separate action for dissolution of marriage has been commenced by the Respondent and whether such an action is pending in any court; 6) that the Petition has been filed in good faith and for the purposes set forth therein; 7) that there has been a breakdown in the marriage relationship, and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved; 8) any application for temporary support of the Petitioner and children; 9) any application for permanent alimony or support, child custody, division of property, attorney fees, etc.; 10) whether the appointment of a marriage conciliator pursuant to Section 598.16 may preserve the marriage; and 11) that the Petitioner has been for the last year a resident of the state, specifying the county in which the Petitioner has resided, and that the maintenance of the residence has been in good faith and not for the purpose of obtaining a marriage dissolution only. The Petition must be verified by the Petitioner.  ICA Section 598.5 and 598.6.

KANSAS
A party commences a divorce action by filing a Petition for Divorce with the Clerk of District Court. The Petitioner also prepares a Summons for issuance by the clerk. The clerk signs the Summons. The Summons and the Petition must then be served personally on the Respondent. The truth of the allegations of any Petition must be verified by the Petitioner. The Petition should contain at least the following information: the grounds for divorce, the names and dates of birth of minor children, whether there is any other custody proceeding pending in Kansas or in any other state, whether either party has been a party or witness in any other custody proceeding involving the children, whether any other party besides Petitioner and Respondent has any claim to custody or visitation rights with respect to the children, information about the income and assets of the parties, and the relief requested by Petitioner.  KSA §60-1604.

KENTUCKY
An action for dissolution of marriage is commenced by either spouse filing a Petition for Dissolution with the Clerk of Circuit Court. The clerk then issues a Summons. The Summons and Petition must be served personally on the Respondent. The verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage shall allege the only available ground for dissolution - that the marriage is irretrievably broken - and shall also state: 1) the age, occupation, and address of each party and the length of residence in the state; 2) if domestic violence and abuse is alleged by either party, the party filing the Petition shall certify the existence and status of any domestic violence protective orders; 3) the date and place of the marriage; 4) that the parties are separated and the date on which the parties separated; 5) the names, ages, and addresses of any living minor children of the marriage and whether the wife is pregnant; 6) any arrangements as to custody, visitation, and support of the children, and the maintenance of a spouse; and 7) the relief requested by Petitioner.  K.R.S. §403.150.

LOUISIANA
In Louisiana, a divorce action is commenced by one spouse filing a Petition for Divorce with the Clerk of District Court in the parish in which either party is domiciled. The court then issues a Notice of Filing of Suit for Divorce. The Notice and Petition must then be served personally on the Defendant. The Petition for Divorce must be verified as true by the Plaintiff and should allege the name and address of both parties, that the Plaintiff has been domiciled in Louisiana and in the parish in which the Complaint is filed, the date and place of marriage, the date of separation, the ground for the divorce, that there exists a legal regime of community property between the parties which should be terminated and partitioned by the divorce action, names and birth dates of children, information about the income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by the Plaintiff.  CCP Art. 10, 3941, and 3951; and CC Art. 102 and 103.

MAINE
Either spouse may commence an action for divorce by serving the other spouse with a Summons and Complaint for divorce or by filing the Complaint for divorce with the Clerk of Superior Court or Clerk of District Court. The Summons is a document, prepared by the Plaintiff and issued by the clerk of court, notifying the Defendant that the action is being commenced and that Defendant must file an Answer within a required time or Plaintiff can ask the court for a default judgment. The complainant must allege the facts to satisfy the residency requirement. The complainant must also state the grounds for the divorce. The Complaint should state the residences and ages of both parties, names and dates of birth of all children, a description of the income and assets of the parties, and a description of the relief requested by Plaintiff. Where there are minor children, the Complaint must allege the children’s present address, the places where the children have lived within the last five years, and the names and present addresses of all persons with whom the children have lived during that five year period. The Plaintiff must also allege whether he has participated as a party, witness or in any other capacity in any other litigation concerning the custody of the children in Maine or in any other state; whether he has information of any pending custody proceeding regarding the children in Maine or in any other state, and whether he knows of any other person not a party to the proceedings who has physical custody of the children or claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to the children.
19 MRSA §691 and 810, and Rule 80, Maine Rules of Civil Procedure.

MARYLAND
In Maryland, a party commences a divorce action by filing a Complaint for divorce with the Clerk of Circuit Court. The clerk issues a Summons and delivers it to the sheriff or other process server for personal service of the Summons and Complaint on the Defendant. The Summons must be served within 60 days of issuance, or it is void. The Complaint should include the following information: names and addresses of both parties, that the Plaintiff was a resident of Maryland at the time of filing the Complaint (or has been a resident of Maryland for at least one year prior to filing the Complaint if the cause of the divorce occurred outside the state), the statutory ground upon which the Plaintiff is basing the divorce, the names and dates of birth of children, and that there is no pending custody proceeding in any other jurisdiction. If there is a pending custody proceeding in another jurisdiction, the Plaintiff must allege the information required by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, a description of the properties of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by the Plaintiff.  Rule S72, Maryland Rules.

MASSACHUSETTS
A divorce action is started in Massachusetts by one spouse filing a Complaint for Divorce with the Clerk of Probate Court in the county where either party resides. The Plaintiff can also commence the action by mailing the Complaint to the clerk of Probate Court by certified or registered mail. The clerk then issues a Summons, and the Plaintiff delivers the Summons and Complaint to the sheriff or process server for personal service on Defendant. If the Summons and Complaint is not served on Defendant within 90 days after the filing of the Complaint, the action shall be dismissed. The Complaint should contain at least the following information: name and address of both parties, date and place of marriage, date of separation, names and dates of birth of minor children, a statement whether there have been or are pending any actions for divorce or separation between the parties, the grounds for the divorce, description of income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by Plaintiff. A certified copy of the marriage certificate must be filed with the Complaint.  Rule 7 and Form 101, Massachusetts Rules of Domestic Relations Procedure; and ALM 208 §1 and 6B.

MICHIGAN
A divorce action is commenced by filing a Complaint (sometimes called a Petition) for divorce with the Clerk of Circuit Court in which either party has resided for at least ten days preceding the filing of the Complaint. The court then issues a Summons which, together with the Complaint, must be personally served on the Defendant. At a minimum, the Complaint must contain the following information: 1) the grounds for the divorce--that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed, and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved; 2) the residency requirement--that either party has resided in Michigan for at least 180 days immediately preceding filing of the Complaint and that either party has resided in the county in which the Complaint was filed for at least ten days immediately preceding the filing; 3) the complete names of all parties and the names of the parties before the marriage; 4) the complete names and dates of birth of all minor children of the parties and all minor children born during the marriage; 5) whether any Michigan court has prior continuing jurisdiction of any minor involved in the case; 6) a description of property to be divided; 7) the facts sufficient to show a need for spousal support and that the other party is able to pay; 8) facts sufficient to support a request for an order for personal protection or for the protection of property including restraining orders and injunctions; 9) reference should be made to a verified statement Plaintiff is attaching to the Complaint to provide all details regarding the minor children, employers of each party, incomes of each party, physical description of each party, name and address of any person who may have custody of a minor besides the parties, the receipt of any public assistance by the parties, details regarding health insurance coverage available for each child; and 10) the relief requested by the Plaintiff.  MCLA §552.6 and Rule 3.206, Michigan Court Rules.

When minor children are involved, the Plaintiff must also provide a copy of the Summons and Complaint and all other pleadings to the Friend of the court by submitting extra copies to the court clerk at the time of filing.
Rule 3.203, Michigan Court Rules.

MINNESOTA
A person starts a divorce action by serving a Summons and Complaint or Petition on the other spouse. A Summons is a document notifying the other person that they are being sued and that they must file a response with the court within a certain time or they will lose the case by default. The Complaint, often called a Petition in a divorce case, is the first document initiating a lawsuit. The laws of each state specify the information that must be contained in the Petition. The Petition concludes with a "prayer for relief," which is a request that the court grant specific relief, for example, a divorce, custody of children, a fair division of property, etc.

In Minnesota, the person who initiates a dissolution of marriage is called the Petitioner, and the other person is called the Respondent. In Minnesota, the Petition must contain the following information: 1) name and address of Petitioner and any prior or other name used by the Petitioner; 2) name and address of the Respondent and any prior or other name used by the Respondent; 3) that either party has resided in the state for at least 180 days immediately preceding commencement or has been a member of the armed services and has been stationed in the state for at least 180 days or has been a domiciliary of the state for at least 180 days prior to commencement; 4) name and any prior or other name, age and date of birth of each living minor or dependent child of the parties born before the marriage or born or adopted during the marriage and also a reference to a child conceived but not yet born; 5) whether or not a separate proceeding for dissolution, legal separation, or custody is pending in a court in this state or elsewhere; 6) that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage relationship; and 7) all relief requested without setting forth specific amounts of requested maintenance or support or property division. The Petition must be verified by the Petitioner.  Minn. Stat. §518.10.

MISSISSIPPI
An action for divorce is commenced by one spouse filing a Complaint for Divorce with the Clerk of Chancery Court. The clerk issues a Summons. The Summons and Complaint must then be personally served on the Defendant. The Summons and Complaint may also be served by mailing by first class mail to the Defendant, and asking the Defendant to sign an acknowledgment that Defendant received the Summons and Complaint by mail. The Complaint should allege the names and addresses of the parties, that the Plaintiff has been a resident of Mississippi for at least six months prior to filing of the Complaint, the grounds upon which the divorce is requested, names and birth dates of minor children, information about the income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by Plaintiff.  MC 93.5-1, 93-5-2, 93-5-5, 93-5-7, and 93-5-11.

In all divorce cases, except where the Complaint seeks a divorce on the ground of irreconcilable differences, the Complaint must be accompanied with an Affidavit of Plaintiff that the Complaint is not being filed by collusion with the Defendant for the purpose of obtaining a divorce, but that the cause for divorce stated in the Complaint is true as stated.  MC 93-5-7.

MISSOURI
An action for dissolution is commenced by the Petitioner filing a Petition with the clerk of Circuit Court. The clerk then issues a Summons. The Summons and Petition must be served personally on the Respondent. The Petition shall be verified by the Petitioner and shall allege that the marriage is irretrievably broken and shall state the following information: 1) residence of each party and length of residence in Missouri; 2) date and place of marriage; 3) date of separation; 4) names, ages, and addresses of any living children of the marriage and whether the wife is pregnant; 5) any arrangements as to custody and support of children and maintenance of a spouse; and 6) the relief requested by Petitioner.

In listing the names, ages, and addresses of living children, the Petitioner shall also state which party has actual custody of any minor children. After the filing of the Petition, until permitted to do so by order of the court, neither party shall remove such minor children from the jurisdiction of the court nor from the care and custody of the party which has custody of the children at the time the action is filed.  VAMS §452.310.

MONTANA
A party commences an action for dissolution of marriage by filing a Petition with the clerk of district court. The Petitioner also presents a summons which is approved and signed by the clerk. The summons and the petition are then served personally on the respondent. Respondent has twenty days to serve and file a Response. The petition must be verified and must set forth the following information: 1) The age, occupation and residence of each party and the length of residence in the state; 2) the date and place of marriage; 3) that residency requirements are met and that the marriage is irretrievably broken; 4) the names, ages, and addresses of all living children of the marriage and whether the wife is pregnant; 5) any arrangements as to support, custody and visitation of the children and maintenance of the spouse; and 6) the relief requested by the petitioner.  MCA 40- 4-105.

NEBRASKA
An action for dissolution of marriage is commenced by either party filing a Petition for Dissolution with the Clerk of District Court in the county where either party resides. The Petitioner also files a request for a Summons. The clerk of court issues a Summons. The Summons and Petition must then be served personally on the Respondent within six months after filing, or the Petition is dismissed. The Petition shall include the following: 1) name and address of the Petitioner and his attorney; 2) name and address of the Respondent; 3) date and place of marriage; 4) name and birth date of each child whose custody is involved in the proceeding; 5) if any other action for dissolution is pending and a statement of where the action is pending; 6) an allegation that the marriage is irretrievably broken; and 7) the relief requested by the Petitioner.
Reissued Revised Statutes 42-353.

NEVADA
Either spouse may commence a divorce action by filing a Complaint with the Clerk of District Court in the county where either party resides, or in the county where the parties last cohabited. The clerk issues a Summons and the Plaintiff must serve a copy of the Summons and Complaint on the Defendant within 120 days after filing of the Complaint, or the Complaint is dismissed by the court. The Complaint should state the names and addresses of both parties, that one of the parties has been a resident of Nevada for at least six weeks before filing of the Complaint, the grounds for the divorce, the names and birth dates of all children of the parties, a description of the income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by Plaintiff. If custody of minor children is an issue in the case, each party must, in the first document filed with the court (the Complaint by the Plaintiff or the Answer by the Defendant) or in an Affidavit attached to that document, provide information about the minor children including: name and present address of the children, the places where the children have lived during the last five years, the names and present addresses with whom the children have lived during the last five years, whether the party has participated in any other litigation concerning the custody of the same child in Nevada or in any other state, whether the party has any information about any pending custody proceeding, and whether the party knows of any other person, not a party to the case, who has physical custody of one of the children or who claims to have custody or visitation rights with the children.
NRS 125.030 and 125A.120.

Nevada statutes provide for a simplified procedure for divorce when all of the following conditions exist at the time the Complaint is filed: 1) either party has been a resident of Nevada for at least six weeks; 2) the parties have lived separate and apart for at least one year without cohabitation, or they are incompatible; 3) there are no minor children involved and the wife is not pregnant, or the parties have executed an agreement as to the custody of any children and for support of children; 4) there is no community or joint property, or the properties have executed an agreement setting forth the division of community property and the assumption of liabilities, if any, and have executed any deeds or other evidence of transfer necessary to put their agreement into legal effect; 5) the parties waive any rights to alimony, or the parties have executed a written agreement setting forth the terms for payment of alimony; 6) the parties waive their rights to written notice of entry of the final decree, to appeal, to request findings of fact, and to move for a new trial; and 7) the parties desire that the court enter a decree of divorce based on their agreement. If the parties satisfy all of these conditions, then they may proceed by a “summary proceeding” for divorce by filing a joint petition for divorce, with their written agreement attached to the Petition. The Petition must also be accompanied by an Affidavit of Corroboration of Residency.  NRS 125.181-0.185.

Each judicial district in Nevada has separate rules of practice and procedure for handling cases within that district. These local rules sometimes require additional information to be included in the Complaint. A party should always consult the local District Court Rules before proceeding with the case.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Either spouse may start a divorce action by filing a Libel for Divorce with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where either party resides. (A Libel is the first document filed by a Plaintiff to start a lawsuit. In other states, this document is called a Complaint or a Petition.) The Plaintiff must also prepare and file the Writ for Summons with the clerk. After the Libel is filed, the clerk issues the Writ for Summons. The Summons and Libel for Divorce must be served on the Defendant. The Libel for Divorce shall state the residence and addresses of the parties, the grounds for the divorce, the names and birth dates of children, whether the Plaintiff has been a participant in or knows of any custody proceedings involving the children in any other state, whether the Plaintiff knows of any other person who has a claim to custody and visitation, the income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by Plaintiff.
Rule 144, Superior Court Rules; and RSA 458:9.

NEW JERSEY
A divorce action in New Jersey is commenced by filing a Complaint for divorce with the Clerk of Superior Court, Chancery Division - Family Part. The clerk issues a Summons. The Summons and Complaint must then be served personally on the Defendant. The Complaint shall state the name and address of the parties, that the residency requirement has been met, the grounds for the divorce, a description of any previous family actions involving the same parties, the name and birth dates of children, a statement of where and with whom the children reside, a statement of whether the Plaintiff has been a party to or knows of any other custody proceedings involving the children, whether any other person has a right to custody and visitation with the children, information about the income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by Plaintiff. If the Plaintiff is alleging adultery or deviant sexual conduct on the party of the Defendant as the ground for divorce, the Complaint shall state the name of the person with whom such conduct was committed and shall also state the time, place, and circumstances under which the act or series of acts were committed, so the Defendant and the court will know the particular offenses charged. The Complaint shall be verified by the Plaintiff, stating that the allegations are true to the best of the Plaintiff’s knowledge, information, and belief, and that the Complaint is made in truth and good faith, and without collusion for the causes set forth in the Complaint.

Within 20 days after the Defendant files an Answer to the Complaint, each party must file a Case Information Statement with the court. The Case Information Statement shall be filed in the form required by the New Jersey Rules of Court. The form is available from the clerk of Superior Court. The court may, on its own motion, dismiss a party’s Complaint or Answer for failure to have filed a Case Information Statement. If so dismissed, the Answer or Complaint is subject to reinstatement upon such conditions as the court may deem just. Parties are under a continuing duty to inform the court of any changes in the information supplied on the Case Information Statement. All amendments to the statement shall be filed with the court no later than 20 days before the final hearing. The court may prohibit a party from introducing into evidence at trial, any information not disclosed on the Case Information Statement. The Statement requests information about the income, expenses, assets, and liabilities of each party.
Rules 5:4-2 and 5:5-2, New Jersey Rules of Court.

NEW MEXICO
An action for dissolution of marriage is commenced by either spouse filing a Petition for Dissolution with the clerk of District Court in the county where either party resides. The clerk issues a Summons. The Summons and Petition must be served personally on the Respondent. If the Respondent will acknowledge receipt of the Summons and Petition, they can be mailed to the Respondent by first class mail. The Petitioner must verify that the Petition for Dissolution is true and correct. The Petition must allege the names and addresses of the parties, that either party has been a resident of New Mexico for at least six months prior to filing of the Petition, the date and place of the marriage, the names and birth dates of children of the parties, whether Petitioner has been a participant in or knows of any other proceedings for custody of the children in New Mexico or in any other state, whether Petitioner knows of any other person who claims custody or visitation rights for the children, a description of the income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by the Petitioner. The Petitioner must allege one of the authorized grounds for the dissolution.
§40-4-1 to 40-4-6 NMSA.

NEW YORK
A divorce action in New York is commenced by either spouse filing a Summons and Complaint, or a Summons including notice of the action, with the clerk of Supreme Court. The summons and complaint are then served personally or by mail upon the defendant. If the complaint is not served with the summons, the summons shall indicate on its face the nature of the action - “action for divorce” and shall specify the nature of relief requested.

The complaint must state the grounds upon which the divorce is based. The nature and circumstances of a party’s alleged misconduct, if any, and the time and place of each act complained of, if any, shall be specified in the complaint. This satisfies C.P.L.R. §3016 (c) which requires that allegations be stated with a degree of particularity in specific types of suits.

If the marriage was solemnized, either in New York or elsewhere, by a clergyman or minister, the plaintiff must state in his or her verified complaint that to the best of his or her knowledge he or she has taken or will take, prior to the entry of the final judgment of divorce, all steps within his or her power to remove any barrier to the defendant’s remarriage following the divorce. The purpose of this law is to make sure the parties will have the cooperation of one another to obtain a religious divorce as well as the legal divorce of the marriage relationship.
Domestic Relations Law §253.

The complaint must also allege the names, birth dates and addresses of both parties, and the facts to satisfy the residency requirement. The complaint should state the names and birth dates of the minor children of the parties and whether plaintiff has been a participant in any other custody preceding in New York or any other state, and should also state the addresses where the children have resided for the prior five years and the names and current addresses of the persons with whom the children resided with during the prior five years. The complaint should also state whether plaintiff is aware of any other person who claims custody or visitation rights with the children.

A divorce complaint must be verified. A verification is a sworn statement that the complaint is true or believed to be true. Domestic Relations Law §211.

NORTH CAROLINA
A divorce action is commenced in North Carolina by either party filing a Complaint for Divorce with the Clerk of Court in the county where either party resides. The clerk issues a Summons, and the Plaintiff is responsible for having the Summons and Complaint served on the Defendant. The Complaint shall be verified by the Plaintiff as being true and correct. The Complaint must state that the Plaintiff or Defendant has been a resident of North Carolina for at least six months preceding the filing of the Complaint. The Complaint must state the grounds for the divorce and that the grounds have existed for at least six months prior to the filing of the Complaint. However, if the ground for the divorce is that the parties have been separated for one year, then it is not necessary to allege in the Complaint that the grounds for divorce have existed for at least six months. If the Plaintiff is not a resident of North Carolina, the Complaint must be filed in the county of the Defendant’s residence. The Complaint shall state the name and address of the parties, and the name and age of any minor children of the marriage. If there are no such minor children of the marriage, the Complaint shall so state. The Complaint shall also describe the income and assets of the parties. The Complaint should conclude with a summary of the relief requested by the Plaintiff.  GS §50-8.

NORTH DAKOTA
A person starts a divorce action by serving a Summons and Complaint or Petition on the other spouse. A Summons is a document notifying the other person that they are being sued and that they must file a response with the court within a certain time or they will lose the case by default. The Complaint, often called a Petition in a divorce case, is the first document initiating a lawsuit. The laws of each state specify the information that must be contained in the Petition. The Petition concludes with a "prayer for relief," which is a request that the court grant specific relief, for example, a divorce, custody of children, a fair division of property, etc.

In North Dakota, the person who initiates a divorce action is called the Plaintiff and the other person is called the Defendant. The Plaintiff’s Complaint must identify the parties and the children, allege that one of the parties has been a resident of North Dakota for at least six months prior to commencement of the action, provide information about the current financial circumstances of the parties, and state all relief requested from the court.  NDCC Chapter 14.07.

OHIO
Either spouse may commence an action for divorce by filing a Complaint with the clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the Plaintiff has been a resident for at least 90 days before filing. The clerk issues a Summons. The Summons and Complaint must be served on the Defendant. Service can be by certified mail issued by the Clerk of Court or by personal service on the Defendant. If the clerk attempts service by certified mail and Defendant refuses to claim the certified mail, the Plaintiff can file a written request with the clerk for service by regular mail. In such a case, service is complete by the clerk mailing the Summons and Complaint to Defendant by regular mail. Defendant’s deadline to answer the Complaint is then 28 days after the date of mailing by the clerk. The Complaint for divorce should state the names and addresses of both parties, that the Plaintiff was a resident of Ohio for at least six months before filing the Complaint, the ground for the divorce, names and birth dates of children, whether Plaintiff is aware of any other custody proceeding in Ohio or in any other state, whether the Plaintiff has been a witness or party in any other custody proceeding, whether any other person has a claim to custody or visitation with the children, information about the income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by the Plaintiff.
Rules 3 and 4, Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure; ORC 3105.01, 3105.03, and 3105.10.

OKLAHOMA
Either spouse commences an action for divorce by filing a Petition for Divorce with the Clerk of District Court. Plaintiff files a Petition either in the county where Plaintiff has resided for at least 30 days or in the county where Defendant resides. The clerk issues a Summons. The Summons and Petition for Divorce must be served personally on Defendant. The Petition must be verified as true by the Affidavit of the Plaintiff. The Petition shall allege the cause for the divorce in the same language used in the Oklahoma statute listing the various grounds for divorce. The Petition shall not provide any detailed statement of facts underlying the ground. If the opposing party desires a statement of the facts relied upon, that party may demand a “Bill of Particulars.” The Bill of Particulars shall be furnished to the court and to the other party and shall constitute the allegations of fact upon which the action is to be tried. The Bill of Particulars shall not be filed with the Clerk of the District Court nor become a part of the records of the court. The Petition for Divorce should also allege the names and addresses of both parties, that either party has been a resident of Oklahoma for at least six months before filing the Petition, that the action has been filed in the county where Plaintiff has resided for at least 30 days or in the county of Defendant’s residence, the names and birth dates of children, whether Plaintiff has been a participant in or is aware of any other custody proceeding, whether the Plaintiff knows of any other person who claims rights to custody or visitation, a description of the income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by Plaintiff.  43 Okl.St.Ann. §105 and §107.

OREGON
Either party may commence an action for dissolution of marriage by filing a Petition for Dissolution with the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county where either party resides. The Petitioner issues a Summons. The Summons and Petition must then be served personally on the Respondent. The Petition shall state the following: 1) the names, social security numbers, and dates of birth of all children born or adopted during the marriage and a reference to an expected date of birth of any children conceived during the marriage, but not yet born; 2) the names, social security numbers, and dates of birth of all the children born of the parties prior to the marriage, if any; 3) whether there is another action for dissolution or annulment, or any type of support proceedings involving dependents of the same marriage, pending in Oregon or any other state; 4) full names and any former names of the parties; the residence, mailing, or contact addresses of the parties; the ages of both parties; their social security numbers; and the date and place of the marriage; 5) information about the income and assets of the parties; and 6) a description of the relief requested by the Petitioner.

Together with the original Petition, the Petitioner must file with the court administrator a certificate of residency establishing that one or both of the parties currently resides in the county in which the Petition is being filed. Any Petition filed without a certificate of residency must be returned by the administrator to the person who submitted the Petition for filing.

The Petitioner must also attach to a Petition for Dissolution a copy of the Notice to Parties regarding the availability and continuation of health insurance coverage, as required by ORS 107.092. The Notice is available from the court administrator.

If financial aid or public assistance is being granted to, or on behalf of, any dependent child involved in the proceeding, then a copy of the Petition for Dissolution shall be served by mail or personal delivery on the Administrator of the Support Enforcement Division of the Department of Justice, or on the branch office of any division providing service to the county in which the Petition is filed.

At the time the Petition for Dissolution is filed with the clerk of Circuit Court, the clerk shall furnish to the Petitioner a copy of ORS 107.089, and the Petitioner shall serve a copy of the statute upon the Respondent. This statute requires the parties to exchange financial records and documents, including tax returns for the last three years, records of income earned or received for the current year, documentation such as deeds for real estate, documents showing debts of either party, certificates of title or registrations for automobiles and other personal property, documents regarding investments, the most recent statement describing any retirement plan or IRA, and bank account records for the prior one year. The information is required to be disclosed to the other party within 30 days after service of the Petition. If a child support hearing is pending earlier than 30 days after service of the Petition, the parties shall exchange the required information by at least three days before the hearing. The court can order either party to comply with the request for information and award attorney fees against a party willfully refusing to comply with the statute. The request for disclosure of documents and information, pursuant to ORS 107.089, does not in any way limit the right of either party to request additional discovery allowed by the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure.  ORS 107.085 - 107.092, and Uniform Trial Court Rules 8.10.

PENNSYLVANIA
A divorce action in Pennsylvania is commenced by either spouse filing a Complaint for Divorce with the clerk of court in the county where either Plaintiff or Defendant resides. The clerk issues a writ of summons. The writ and complaint must be served on the defendant, either personally or by certified and regular mail. The complaint must contain a “notice to defend” in the form required by Rule 1920.71, Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. The complaint shall state the names and residences of both parties. The complaint shall state the ground “cause” for the divorce. If the ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken and 90 days have elapsed from the date of the commencement of the divorce action, then the complaint must allege the ground and the defendant must also sign an Affidavit of Consent agreeing that the marriage is irretrievably broken and 90 days have elapsed from the date of filing the complaint. The complaint must also state that either party has resided within the commonwealth of Pennsylvania for at least six months preceding commencement of the action, the date and place of the marriage, whether there has been any prior action for divorce or annulment between the parties in Pennsylvania or any other jurisdiction, names and birth dates of minor children, whether plaintiff has been a participant in any other proceeding regarding custody of the children in Pennsylvania or any other jurisdiction, whether plaintiff knows of any person who claims rights to custody or visitation of the minor children, and the residences of the children in the last five years, and the names and current addresses of the persons with whom the children have resided within the five years. The complaint must also allege that the plaintiff has been advised of the availability of counseling and that the plaintiff is aware of the right to request that the court require the parties to participate in counseling. The complaint should also describe the incomes and assets of the parties. Finally, the complaint should summarize the relief requested by plaintiff. After filing of the complaint, either party may request a jury trial.
Rules 1920.2 - 1920.13; 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 3322.

RHODE ISLAND
A divorce action in Rhode Island is commenced by one spouse filing a Complaint for Divorce with the clerk of Family Court. The Complaint is filed in the county where Plaintiff resides, unless the Complaint is based on the residence of Defendant, in which case the Complaint shall be filed in Providence County or in the county where Defendant resides. The clerk of Family Court then issues a Summons. The Summons and the Complaint are then personally served on Defendant. The Complaint must be verified by Plaintiff as being true and correct. The Complaint should allege the names and addresses of the parties, that one of the parties has been a resident of Rhode Island for at least one year preceding filing of the Complaint, the date and place of marriage, names and birth dates of children, that Plaintiff has not been a party to and is not aware of any other custody proceedings pending in Rhode Island or any other state, information about the income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by Plaintiff.  GLRI 15-5-11.

SOUTH CAROLINA
A Petition, called a Complaint, in South Carolina, is the first document filed by the Plaintiff to commence the action for divorce. The Plaintiff files a Complaint for Divorce with the Clerk of Family Court. The Plaintiff’s attorney issues a Summons. The Summons and Complaint must then be served together on the Defendant within a reasonable time after the Complaint was filed. The Complaint should allege the names and addresses of both parties, that the Plaintiff has been a resident of South Carolina for at least one year prior to filing of the Complaint, or that the Plaintiff has been a resident of South Carolina for at least three months prior to filing the Complaint if both parties were residents of the state at the time of filing the Complaint. The Complaint should also allege the names and addresses of minor children, whether the Plaintiff has been a participant in or is aware of any other custody proceedings involving the same children in South Carolina or in any other state, whether Plaintiff knows of any person not a party to the case who claims custody or visitation rights with the children, and the addresses where the children have resided for the last five years, and the names and current addresses of any persons with whom the children have resided during the last five years. The Complaint should also describe the income and assets of the parties. The Complaint should state the grounds upon which the Plaintiff is requesting a divorce. Finally, the Complaint should conclude with a summary of the relief requested by the Plaintiff.
1976 Code §20-3-10, §20-3-30, and §20-3-60.

SOUTH DAKOTA
A divorce action is commenced by serving a Summons and Complaint on the other spouse. The Summons is notice to the Defendant that the divorce suit is being commenced, and the Defendant must file an answer within 30 days or the Plaintiff can ask the court for default relief. The Complaint, referred to as a Petition in some states, must allege the ground upon which the divorce is requested, that the Plaintiff is a resident of South Dakota, the names and birth dates of minor children, a general description of property, information about the present financial circumstances of the parties, and the relief requested by the Plaintiff.  S.D.C.L. 25-4-2 and 25-4-30.

TENNESSEE
Either spouse may commence a divorce action by filing a Petition for Divorce with the Clerk of Court for the Chancery or Circuit Court. The Petition is filed in the county where the parties reside at the time of their separation, or in the county in which the Defendant resides, or in the county in which the Plaintiff resides if the Defendant is a non-resident of Tennessee. The Petition for Divorce shall state the grounds for the divorce in substantially the same language as used in the statute listing the possible grounds for divorce. If the Defendant requests more information about the grounds, the Plaintiff is required to file a “Bill of Particulars,” setting forth the facts relied upon as the grounds for divorce, with reasonable certainty as to time and place. However, unless requested by the Defendant, the Plaintiff shall not state factual information supporting the grounds in the Petition.

In the Petition for Divorce, the Plaintiff shall allege the name and address of both parties, the full maiden name of the wife, dates and places of birth of the parties, race or color of each spouse, number of prior marriages of each spouse, date and place of the marriage, names and birth dates of minor children, whether Plaintiff has been a participant in or is aware of any other litigation concerning the custody of the children in Tennessee or in any other state, whether Plaintiff knows of any person not a party to the proceedings who claims custody or visitation rights, the addresses where the children have resided during the last five years, the names and present addresses of the persons with whom the children have lived during the last five years, information about the income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by Plaintiff. Every Petition for Divorce shall contain this information. The court shall dismiss Petitions which do not contain the required information unless it can be shown to the satisfaction of the court that such information could not be obtained by Plaintiff by exercising due diligence. The Petition for Divorce shall be verified by Plaintiff, upon oath or affirmation, that the facts stated in the Petition are true to the best of Plaintiff’s knowledge and belief, and that the Petition is not made out of levity, or by collusion with the Defendant, but in sincerity and truth for the reasons stated in the Petition.  TCA §36-4-106, §36-4-107, and §36-6-210.

TEXAS
Either spouse may commence the action for divorce by filing a Petition for Divorce with the Clerk of District Court in the county where either party has been a resident for at least 90 days. Upon the filing of the Petition, the clerk issues a Citation. The Petitioner is responsible for serving the Citation and a copy of the Petition on the Respondent. The Petition must be entitled, “In the matter of the marriage of _______ and ______.” The Petition must allege the ground for the divorce by using the language substantially as stated in the divorce statutes and without a detailed statement of facts supporting the grounds. The Petition should state the names and addresses of the parties, that one of the parties has been domiciled in Texas for at least six months before commencement of the action, that one of the parties has been a resident of the county in which the Petition is being filed for at least 90 days before filing, the names and birth dates of children under age 18, whether Petitioner has been a participant in or is aware of any other custody proceeding involving the children in Texas or in any other state, whether the Petitioner knows of any other person who claims custody or visitation rights, a description of the income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief being requested by Petitioner. The Petition must include a statement, printed in boldfaced type or capital letters, stating the Petitioner’s intention to make a good faith attempt to resolve contested issues by alternative dispute resolution. The statement must include the language required by V.T.C.A., Family Code §3.522. The Petition must also state whether a protective order is in effect or if there is a pending application for a protective order involving the parties. The Petitioner shall attach to the Petition a copy of any protective order which has been issued involving the parties.
V.T.C.A., Family Code §3.51, §3.52, and §3.522.

UTAH
A divorce action in Utah is commenced by filing a Complaint with the Clerk of District Court, or is commenced by serving a Summons and Complaint personally on the Defendant. The Summons notifies the Defendant that the action is being commenced and that they must file a response with the court within the specified time, or the Plaintiff can ask the court for default relief. The Complaint shall be in writing and signed by the Plaintiff or Plaintiff’s attorney. The Complaint should allege that Plaintiff has been an actual resident of the state for more than three months preceding the commencement of the action and presently resides in the county in which the action is commenced. It should also include the date and place of the marriage, names and birth dates of children, the grounds for the divorce, financial circumstances of the parties, and the relief requested by Plaintiff.  UCA 30-3-4.

VERMONT
Either party may commence an action for divorce by filing a Complaint for Divorce with the Clerk of Superior Court, Family Court Division, in the county where either party resides. The Plaintiff’s attorney then prepares a Summons. The Summons and Complaint must be served on the Defendant. The Complaint shall state the factual basis of the claim and shall be signed and sworn to by the Plaintiff. A statistical form issued by the Commissioner of Health must be attached to the Complaint. The Complaint shall state whether any other divorce, annulment, abuse prevention complaint, or separate support proceedings have been brought previously by either party against the other and whether any issues have been issued in such proceedings. If any such orders have been issued, they shall be attached to the Complaint. If custody of a child, including visitation rights, is an issue in the case, then the Complaint or a supporting affidavit shall contain the information required by the uniform child custody jurisdiction act - the names and birth dates of the children, the addresses where the children have resided during the last five years, the names and current addresses of persons with whom the children have resided during the last five years, whether the Plaintiff has been a participant in or knows of any other custody proceeding involving the children, and the names and addresses of any person claiming rights to custody or visitation with the children. If either party is a recipient of public assistance from the State of Vermont, the Complaint shall state that fact and then a copy of the Summons and Complaint shall be served upon the Office of Child Support by certified mail. The Complaint should also describe the income and assets of the parties, and summarize the relief requested by the Plaintiff.

If either party is, or may be, obligated to pay child support to the other party or to the Office of Child Support, then Vermont rules require a child support hearing to be scheduled after the Complaint has been filed but before the Complaint is served on the Defendant. The family court clerk shall complete a notice of hearing and shall attempt to schedule the hearing so that it is held from 15 to 30 days after the Summons and Complaint are filed. After a hearing has been scheduled, the clerk or the Plaintiff’s attorney shall provide for prompt service upon the Defendant. The Summons and Complaint may be served on the Defendant by personally serving the Defendant or by mailing them to the Defendant by certified mail, return receipt requested. If certified mail is refused by the Defendant, the clerk may serve the notice of the hearing, the Summons and the Complaint, by mailing them to the Defendant by ordinary first class mail.
15 VSA Section 593 and Rule 4(b), Vermont Rules for Family Proceedings.

VIRGINIA
A divorce action is commenced in Virginia by either spouse filing a Bill of Complaint with the Clerk of Circuit Court. The Virginia legislature has experimented with creating a separate Family Court. Effective July 1, 1996, a divorce Complaint will be filed with the clerk of Family Court, unless the legislature does not approve sufficient funds. Until that date, a Complaint should be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. The clerk issues a Subpoena in Chancery (like a Summons) which is notice to the Defendant that the divorce suit has been commenced and that Defendant must answer the Complaint or be in default. The Bill of Complaint and the Subpoena in Chancery must be served on the Defendant. The Complaint must allege the names and addresses of the parties, that one of the parties has been a resident of Virginia for at least six months prior to the filing of the Complaint, the grounds for the divorce, names and addresses of children, whether Plaintiff has been a participant in or is aware of any other custody proceeding involving the children in Virginia or in any other state, whether any other person not a party to the proceedings has claims to custody or visitation rights, a description of the income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by Plaintiff. Whenever child support is an issue in the case, the Complaint should also state whether the Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement is involved in the case. The Plaintiff should also identify, by attaching a copy to the Complaint, any existing court order for child support for any person involved in the case. The Plaintiff should also identify whether either or both parents hold any license, certificate, registration, or other authorization to engage in a profession, trade, business, or occupation, issued by the state.  CV §20-99; Rule 8:3(c), Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia.

WASHINGTON
A dissolution action is commenced by one spouse filing a Petition for Dissolution with the Clerk of Superior Court. The clerk then issues a Summons. The Summons and Petition are served personally on the Respondent. The Petition must allege the following: 1) last known residence of each party; 2) date and place of the marriage; 3) date on which the parties separated; 4) names, ages and addresses of children and whether the wife is pregnant; 5) any arrangements made by the parties as to custody and support of children and maintenance of a spouse; 6) a statement specifying whether there is community or separate property, owned by the parties, to be disposed of; and 7) the relief requested by Petitioner. The Petitioner is also required to complete and file a certificate at the same time as the Petition, pursuant to RCW 70.58.20, on the form provided by the Washington Department of Health.  RCW §26.09.020.

WEST VIRGINIA
A divorce action in West Virginia is commenced by one spouse filing a Complaint for divorce with the Clerk of Circuit Court. At the time of filing the Complaint, the Plaintiff must also file three copies of the Civil Case Information Statement, in the form required by the Rules of Procedure, and available from the clerk of Circuit Court. At the same time the Plaintiff files the Complaint, the Plaintiff must also file an Application for Services pursuant to Title IV-D of the Social Security Act. The complaint must be verified by the Plaintiff to be true and correct. The Complaint shall allege the name and address of both parties, that the Plaintiff has been a resident of West Virginia for at least one year prior to the filing of the Complaint, the grounds for the divorce, the name and birth dates of children, that Plaintiff has not been a party to and is unaware of any other custody proceeding involving the children in any other court in West Virginia or in any other state, a description of the income and assets of the parties, and a summary of the relief requested by Plaintiff.
WV Code §48-2-4, 48-2-7, 48-2-8, and 48-2-10; and Rule 3, West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure; and Rule 8, Rules of Practice for Family Law.

WISCONSIN
A person starts a divorce action by serving a Summons and Complaint or Petition on the other spouse. A Summons is a document notifying the other person that they are being sued and that they must file a response with the court within a certain time or they will lose the case by default. The Complaint, often called a Petition in a divorce case, is the first document initiating a lawsuit. The laws of each state specify what information must be contained in the Petition. The Petition concludes with a "prayer for relief," which is a request that the court grant specific relief, for example, a divorce, custody of children, a fair division of property, etc.

In Wisconsin, the person who initiates a dissolution of marriage is called the Petitioner and the other person is called the Respondent. In Wisconsin, the Petition must contain the following information: 1) the name and birth date of the parties, the social security number of the husband and wife and their occupations, the date and place of marriage and the facts relating to the residence of both parties; 2) the name and birth date of each minor child and each other child born to the wife during the marriage, and whether the wife is pregnant; 3) that the marriage is irretrievably broken, or in the alternative, that both parties agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken; 4) whether or not an action for divorce or legal separation by either of the parties was or has been, at any time, commenced or is pending in any other court in this state or elsewhere; 5) whether the parties have entered into any written agreements as to support, custody, maintenance, and property division, and if so, the written agreement shall be attached; 6) the relief requested; 7) whenever the Petitioner requests an Order or judgment affecting a minor child, then the Petition must state that the Petitioner requests the Department of Health and Social Services to provide services on behalf of the minor child; 8) that during the Pendency of the action, the parties are prohibited from, and may be held in contempt of court for, harassing, intimidating, physically abusing or imposing any restraint on the personal liberty of the other party or a minor child of either party; 9) that during the Pendency of the action, the parties are prohibited from, and may be held in contempt of court for, encumbering, concealing, or otherwise disposing of property owned by either or both of the parties, except in the usual course of business or in order to pay reasonable costs and expenses of the action, including attorney fees; and 10) that during the pendency of the action, the parties are prohibited from, and may be held in contempt of court for, doing any of the following without the consent of the other party or an Order of the court: 1) establishing a residence with a minor child of the parties’ outside the state or more than 150 miles from the residence of the other party within the state; 2) removing a minor child of the parties’ from the state for more than 90 consecutive days and concealing a minor child from the other party. The Petitioner or his attorney shall sign the Petition.  Wis. Stat. §767.085.

WYOMING
In Wyoming, a party commences a divorce action by filing a Complaint for Divorce with the Clerk of District Court in the county where either party resides. The Plaintiff also prepares a Summons and delivers it to the clerk. The clerk issues the Summons. The Summons and Complaint must then be served personally on the Defendant. The Complaint must state the following information: Plaintiff has resided in the state of Wyoming for at least 60 days prior to filing the Complaint, county in which Plaintiff is a resident, date and place of marriage, the grounds for the divorce, name and birth date for all children, description of real estate and personal property, description of occupation and incomes of both parties, and the relief requested by the Plaintiff.  W.S. 20-2-104 and 20-2-107.