You've been served with divorce papers. You have 30 days to respond. Here's what you need to do to protect your rights.
30-Day Deadline
Missing this deadline can result in default judgment - your spouse gets what they asked for without your input.
When you're served with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, you must file a response with the court within 30 days. This can be:
Your spouse can file a Motion for Default, asking the court to proceed without you.
The court grants default. You lose the right to contest the terms your spouse proposed.
Judge approves your spouse's requests for property, custody, and support. You're bound by these terms.
Default judgments are extremely difficult to overturn. Courts require you to show a meritorious defense AND a valid reason for missing the deadline.
Your 30-day clock starts when you received the papers. Mark this date.
Understand what your spouse is asking for: property division, custody, maintenance, child support.
An attorney can explain your options and prepare appropriate response documents.
File your Appearance, Answer, and/or Counter-Petition with the court clerk before the deadline.
Send a copy of your filed documents to your spouse's attorney (or your spouse if unrepresented).
Tells the court you exist and want to participate. Minimum required filing.
✓ Quick and simple
✓ Stops default
⚬ Doesn't dispute allegations
Responds to each paragraph: admit, deny, or lack sufficient knowledge.
✓ Puts issues in dispute
✓ Preserves defenses
⚬ More complex to draft
Your own requests for property, custody, support - different from what they asked.
✓ Makes your own claims
✓ Full protection
⚬ Requires filing fee
The 30-day clock is ticking. Get experienced representation to protect your rights, assets, and time with your children.