Ricky Schroder Scribbled His Answer to Wife's Divorce

Ricky Schroder responded to his wife Andrea's divorce the ol' fashioned way ... with pen and paper.

Ricky did NOT have a lawyer file his answer to his wife's divorce ... he did it himself.

The actor is fine handing over physical custody to Andrea. They have 4 kids but only one, 15-year-old Faith, is a minor. Faith's been living with Andrea in Malibu since June, when the couple separated.

Not that this would ever happen ... but Ricky concedes he won't go after Andrea for spousal support.

Andrea filed for divorce in September, weeks shy of their 24th wedding anniversary.