Even if you and your spouse were on uncertain terms, receiving divorce papers can turn your world upside down, as it solidifies that your marriage is officially ending. As such, you may discover you are unsure of how to proceed or what to do next since this is an emotional time. Keep reading to learn what your next steps should be, and discover how divorce attorneys in Nassau County can help you through this challenging time.
What Are Divorce Papers?
When you are served divorce papers, it’s essential to understand what’s included in the documents. When you receive divorce papers, you are the respondent and thus must provide a response to the papers.
Generally, the papers will include a summons and a petition. The summons is the formal notification that you’re spouse has filed for divorce and details the grounds on which your spouse has filed for divorce and the date on which you must appear in court. The petition includes more specific information about the requests your spouse has made in relation to alimony, child custody, and the division of marital property.
What Steps Should I Take Immediately After?
After you are served papers, it’s necessary to take the time to collect yourself before proceeding. Even if you had a feeling that divorce was inevitable, it can still be overwhelming to receive these papers. Once you’ve taken time to process, you’ll need to review the documents and note down the crucial information included. This includes the date you must appear in court and the deadline of when you must respond to the petition.
Next, you’ll want to reach out to an attorney. Unfortunately, many assume they can work things out with their spouse. Regardless of how amicable you and your spouse are, it’s in your best interest to hire an attorney to help you navigate the divorce process.
Once you speak with an attorney, they can help you respond to the petition. If you do not submit a response by the deadline, your spouse could obtain a default judgment. As such, responding to the papers is vital to ensuring you can negotiate the terms of the divorce.
After you respond to the petition, you’ll proceed with the divorce like usual. This includes providing your financial information to your attorney and determining the best course of action on how to proceed. For some couples, this includes negotiation, while others can benefit from mediation.
If you’ve received divorce papers, Barrows Levy can help you proceed. Our legal team understands that this process can be overwhelming and confusing. As such, we will do everything in our power to help you navigate this process with ease to help you transition into the next chapter of your life. Contact us today to learn more.
