What If I Make a Mistake on My Divorce Form?

Quick Answer: For minor mistakes, draw a single line through the error, write the correction above it, and initial. For major errors, complete a new form. Courts may reject forms with too many corrections or whiteout.

Minor Mistakes You Can Fix

Correctable errors:

• Misspelled words
• Wrong date
• Transposed numbers
• Missing word
• Small information errors

How to correct:

1. Draw single line through mistake
2. Write correction clearly above or next to it
3. Initial the correction
4. Do not use whiteout or erase

Major Mistakes Requiring New Form

Start fresh if:

• Multiple errors on one page
• Wrong form used
• Incorrect party names throughout
• Major financial errors
• Missing entire sections
• Form torn or damaged

After Notarization

If you discover error after notarizing:

• Cannot alter notarized documents
• Must complete new form
• Get re-notarized
• Explain to notary why new form needed

What Courts Will Accept

Acceptable:

• 1-2 clean corrections per page
• Line through and initial
• Clear, legible corrections
• Added information in margins

Will be rejected:

• Whiteout or correction fluid
• Multiple corrections on one line
• Illegible corrections
• Erasures that damage paper
• Too many corrections overall

Mistakes on Typed Forms

Best practice:

• Make correction in file
• Print new copy
• Forms are free so print fresh
• Much cleaner than handwritten corrections

After Filing with Court

If court finds error:

• Court will notify you
• May reject filing
• Must correct and refile
• May lose filing date

To amend after acceptance:

• File motion to amend
• Explain the error
• Submit corrected form
• May require court appearance

Common Mistakes and Fixes

Wrong Date: Line through, write correct date, initial

Misspelled Name: If minor, correct; if throughout form, redo

Wrong Dollar Amount: Line through, correct, initial

Missing Information: Write it in, initial if adding after completing rest

Wrong Box Checked: Mark through wrong box, check correct one, initial

Prevention Tips

• Complete forms in pencil first
• Review before final version
• Have someone else proofread
• Use spell check on typed forms
• Print extra copies for practice
• Take your time

Financial Information Errors

Be especially careful with:

• Income amounts
• Asset values
• Debt balances
• Social Security numbers

These errors can delay your divorce or require amended filings.

When in doubt, start over. Blank forms are free, and a clean form is better than one with multiple corrections.

Concerned about errors? Have our attorneys review before filing.