After being served with a Divorce Petition, you become the “Respondent” in the Divorce case. Most lawyers will advise you to immediately obtain an attorney and to not agree to anything and certainly don’t sign anything. If you do not respond in writing, with particular language and within approximately twenty days (actually, by the “Monday next following the expiration of twenty days”), then a Default can be taken against you. At the Default hearing, your spouse will oftentimes receive anything and everything they request in Court.
You should also be aware that many “Waivers of Service” also contain language instructing that the case can be taken up and considered by the Judge without further notice to you. A form containing this language, if signed, could also result in a Default being taken against you with everything going to your spouse. You should review all proposed waivers with caution, since you definitely don’t want this result!
You should also be aware that many “Waivers of Service” also contain language instructing that the case can be taken up and considered by the Judge without further notice to you. A form containing this language, if signed, could also result in a Default being taken against you with everything going to your spouse. You should review all proposed waivers with caution, since you definitely don’t want this result!
