What to Do After Being Served with Divorce Papers

No one ever wants to imagine that their marriage will come to an end. But if you find yourself in the unhappy situation of being served divorce papers, there are some steps you can take to make the process as smooth as possible.

The first step is to simply read the papers. Though it may be painful, it is important to know what exactly you are being asked to consent to. Next, you will want to respond to the summons and petition. You can do this by filling out the appropriate paperwork and filing it with the court.

If you disagree with any of the terms of the divorce, you will want to file a counter-petition. This must be done within a certain time frame, so be sure to act quickly. Once all of the paperwork has been filed, both parties will attend a settlement conference. This is an opportunity to come to an agreement on the terms of the divorce without going to trial.

If a settlement cannot be reached, then the case will go to trial. At trial, both sides will present their arguments and evidence before a judge who will then make a decision on the terms of the divorce.

Going through a divorce is never easy, but by following these steps you can make it as painless as possible. Be sure to read over your papers carefully, file any necessary paperwork in a timely manner, and try to reach a settlement out of court if at all possible. If not, don't worry – you have a team of divorce lawyers who are ready to fight for you and get you the best possible outcome.