Use a Joint Petition when both spouses are voluntarily starting the divorce together. Use an Individual Petition when one spouse is starting the case without the other's joint participation.
The point of this article is narrow: Joint Petition vs. Individual Petition: Which One Do I Need?. You do not need to learn every divorce rule at once. Understand this one issue, complete the task tied to it, and then follow the linked next step when another form or rule actually becomes relevant.
What this means in normal English
The word 'uncontested' does not automatically mean 'joint.' A case can begin individually and later settle. If both spouses will sign together, the joint-petition guide is the simpler starting route.
Example: Both spouses agree on everything and will sign the starting papers: joint makes sense. One spouse agrees the marriage is over but refuses to sign anything: the individual path is the accurate filing choice.
Do this in this order
- 1Ask whether both spouses will sign the starting petition.
Step 1 for “Joint Petition vs. Individual Petition: Which One Do I Need?”: double-check names, balances, dates, and account ownership.
- 2If yes, use the joint petition for the correct case type.
Step 2 for “Joint Petition vs. Individual Petition: Which One Do I Need?”: verify the fact before signing anything under oath if you are unsure.
- 3If no, use the individual petition.
Step 3 for “Joint Petition vs. Individual Petition: Which One Do I Need?”: finish this small task before opening the next form.
- 4Follow the service process for the individual route.
Step 4 for “Joint Petition vs. Individual Petition: Which One Do I Need?”: write the result down so you do not have to rely on memory later.
- 5Do not switch labels casually after filing.
Step 5 for “Joint Petition vs. Individual Petition: Which One Do I Need?”: use the newest official record or form for this part.
Easy mistakes to avoid
- Choosing joint because it is cheaper or easier even when the spouse will not sign.
- Assuming individual means the case must end in a trial.
- Calling the respondent a joint filer when they did not join.
- Using one spouse's signature twice.
Where the next internal link actually belongs
If you are uncertain whether the case is still simple enough for DIY, read when to stop using a DIY divorce process.
Official source: NH Judicial Branch Family Division ↗How to know you are done with this question
You are ready to move on from “Joint Petition vs. Individual Petition: Which One Do I Need?” when the answer above makes sense in your own words, you have completed the first practical task—ask whether both spouses will sign the starting petition—and you know what record, form, court step, or financial item comes next. If you still feel like you are guessing, verify that one point before continuing.
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Start my free case check →General information only: This article about “Joint Petition vs. Individual Petition: Which One Do I Need?” explains general New Hampshire divorce information. FreeDivorceNH.com is a self-help technology and document-assistance service, not a law firm. It does not choose legal outcomes for you. Court forms, procedures, and rules can change, so verify changeable details using the official source linked on this page.