This article is intended to provide basic information and general legal steps and phases your matter will go through along the way. Every situation is unique, so you may want to consult an attorney. This article does not discuss any of the financial or emotional components of getting divorced.
Step 2: The Response
The person served with a Petition for Dissolution is called the Respondent. The first legal step that the Respondent will need to take is to prepare (or to have someone prepare or his or her behalf) the Response to the Petition for Dissolution. The Respondent has 30 days to file the Response. The Response should be filled out as completely as possible. If you do not file a Response, the Petitioner can file a default.
Unlike the Petition (which has to be personally served), the Response can be sent by mail to the address listed in the court papers that Respondent was served. A person who is over the age of 18 (not you) can place the Response into an envelope, put the postage on the envelope, and deposit it into the mail. The person who mails the documents must then fill out a Proof of Service by mail.
