prepare, file, and serve (deliver) the divorce petition (legal paperwork
asking for the divorce and stating the grounds for the breakdown of the
marriage)
● respond to the petition
● interview and hire an attorney
● engage in "divorce discovery" – the information gathering process,
which involves various legal procedures to get information from your
spouse and third-party witnesses (e.g., written questions, subpoenas,
and depositions)
● pre-trial legal motions and hearings
● settlement proposals and negotiations between attorneys
● if settlement fails, prepare for trial
● complete a court trial, and
● file an appeal, if you dispute the trial judge's decision(s).