On all three forms, you should either type or neatly print all of the necessary information in ink. Fill out all three forms completely. Your Circuit Clerk will insert the Case Number on the Affidavit, Petition and Judgment. Even though this is a "joint" petition, one of the parties must be designated as a "Plaintiff" (the party seeking the dissolution is the plaintiff), and the other must be designated as a "Defendant".

The "Joint Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage" and the "Affidavit Regarding Separation of the Parties, Division of Property and Waiver of Bifurcated Hearing" must be signed in front of a Notary Public and notarized. You should file a copy of your written agreement dividing marital assets, debts and liabilities at the time you file the Petition with the Circuit Clerk.

The "Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage" need not be signed in front of a Notary, but should be completed and signed by both parties before your hearing (sign below the words "Approved as to Form and Content"). The Judge will sign the Judgment if the dissolution is granted.

If the wife wishes to return to her maiden or former name, she should complete the paragraphs 11 and C of the Petition and D of the judgment.

In addition to these three forms, the Circuit Clerk will give you a certificate of Dissolution of Marriage which you must complete.