Depending on what brought you to this point, being served with divorce papers might be a huge shock or it might be exactly what you expected. Either way, this event should trigger action on your part. What you do now will have great bearing on your ability to protect your rights moving forward. These are the steps you need to take after being served with divorce papers:
1. Read all of the enclosed documents carefully.
These papers contain a lot of valuable information. Reading them you will learn:
- How long you have to reply/answer (in Florida you have 20 days from the date you were served)
- Whether your spouse has hired an attorney or filed on his or her own
- Which court the action has been brought in
- The reasons for the divorce (in Florida is sufficient just to state that there are irreconcilable differences)
- What arrangements your ex is requesting with regards to things like alimony, child custody, child support, and property division.
2. Find a lawyer to work with you on the divorce case.
Hiring an experienced attorney who can help you protect your interests and safeguard your future in your divorce case is crucial. An attorney can help you better understand the documents you were served with and can give you insight on the best strategies to use as you move forward. Don’t delay in hiring an attorney.
3. Respond before the deadline.
If you file your response past the deadline, a default judgment may be entered against you. The default judgment may effectively give your spouse everything they request with regards to joint property and assets. Accordingly, it is best to timely respond to the divorce, so you can address everything, point by point, and have a say in the way things pan out.
Responding might seem difficult or scary, but your attorney can help you. They can also help you better understand what to expect as you move forward in the divorce process.
How do I find an experienced family law attorney?
If you’re looking for someone to represent you in your divorce or other family law matters, you’ve come to the right place. The Rotella & Hernandez team is ready to partner with you. Contact us today to learn more about our firm and how we can help you from the time you’re served with divorce papers through the time your divorce is finalized and even beyond. We look forward to hearing from you!