What do I need to do to get a divorce?

Well, that really depends on you and the facts. Some people will try to do their own divorces, especially if they are "uncontested." I don't recommend anyone going to court Pro Se. If there are child custody, support, alimony, pension, and property issues involved, I would certainly advise you to get an experienced divorce lawyer.

File a complaint for divorce, get a summons issued, have your spouse served and hope for the best. Or hire an attorney who knows what he or she is doing and make sure that in getting divorced you are not coming out on the short end.

File the appropriate papers.

I cannot possibly explain the entire divorce process in one email. If you cannot figure out how to handle your divorce yourself then you should seriously consider hiring an attorney. If you are going to try and do this yourself, you can run phrases like "filing for divorce" and the name of your State in a Google search and you may find some information to help you get started.

In the state of California, you must begin a dissolution of marriage action by filing and serving the initial pleadings (paperwork): Summons and Petition. Each county within the state has its own special forms that may also need to be filed to open a divorce case. You can refer to the county's website or speak with someone at the local self-help center or clerk's office for the specific paperwork to be completed. After the initial pleadings are filed and served on the other party in the case (the Respondent), you must decide whether you are proceeding through the courts or whether you are able to work together in mediation. In mediation, the two of you would work with a mediator to identify, evaluate and resolve all issues pertaining to your specific case. The general areas of a divorce case are (1) child custody/visitation; (2) child support; (3) spousal support; (4) property division. The mediator and/or attorney will assist you in determining the steps you will need to take to conclude your case. If you two are generally amicable, you can probably work together to resolve all your issues and have a final agreement prepared for filing with the Court by the earliest date that your marital status can change from "married" to "single" individuals. That earliest date is 6 months and 1 day from the date that the Respondent is served. As an attorney and mediator, I am available to assist if you are located in or near Ventura County. Good luck.