回复：感谢三位的回复！有一点很想不通

Yes that is a standard process. Once you are served with summons and petition, technically your marriage has six months less service time to go. Filing a petition is to register with the state to enter the divorce process.

Regardless whether you have a lot of property, retaining an attorney is always a good idea. It is not a tedious job just to fill out the forms to start a divorce and a layperson does need help.

If your hu*****and cannot afford attorney fees, you have to share. This is one way to get attorney fees from the other party, based on Family Code 2030 and subsequent sections. However, this is entirely discretionary by the court. The court can award any or none of the attorney fees to the other party. If you meet certain criteria, you can also get a fee waiver from the court.