Not sure what to do when served with divorce papers in Florida? Get the answers you need here, then get in touch with us to discuss your case.
Divorce is never an easy thing to go through, but if you’ve just been served divorce papers, do not panic! It is usually beneficial to consult with a family law attorney who has experience dealing with divorces because the procedure can be challenging to navigate. This article outlines the steps you need to take after your spouse serves you with divorce papers in Florida.
What Are Divorce Papers and What Do They Mean?
If you’re served with divorce papers in Florida, that means your spouse has filed a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court. This is the first stage in the divorce process, and it can be complicated and stressful for everyone involved.
The best thing to do when you’re served with divorce papers is to consult with an experienced divorce attorney. They can review the documents and explain what they mean and your options. They can also help you manage the divorce process and make sure your rights are safeguarded.
What to Do When Served with Divorce Papers?
If you have been served with divorce papers, it is important to take action. Speak to an experienced divorce attorney to learn what steps you need to take.
You have two choices after being served with a divorce petition:
- You are free to disregard the petition: In this situation, though, your divorce may result in a default judgment in your spouse’s favor.
- You have the option of responding to the petition: You have 20 days to respond to the divorce papers under Florida law. Otherwise, your case may proceed to a default judgment.
Once you have filed your response, several important decisions need to be made, such as proceeding with mediation or going to trial.
Gather Documents and Evidence
After responding to your spouse’s divorce petition, begin gathering papers and evidence that may be relevant to your case. For your divorce case in Florida, you’ll need to gather a variety of documents, including but not limited to:
- Tax returns
- Paycheck stubs
- Records of all assets and debts
- Business records
- Bank statements
Your divorce lawyer will advise you on what documents you need to obtain based on the facts of your case. Most couples must also file a Financial Affidavit, which details the property, assets, income, and liabilities of each party.
Attend the Final Hearing
If the parties cannot achieve an agreement during mediation, they will attend final hearing and submit their evidence to the judge, who will decide on their case. This is the final phase in the divorce process, and the court will form an opinion on all of your case’s outstanding issues. If you do not attend the final hearing, you may lose certain rights.
Contact Our Experienced Florida Divorce Attorneys
The process of getting served with divorce papers in Florida can be daunting, but it is important to keep calm and follow the proper procedures. If you have any questions about what to do when served with divorce papers in Florida, be sure to speak with an experienced family law attorney at Farber Law who can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions about your case.
About the Author: Helena Y. Farber is an attorney in Aventura, Florida, whose practice is concentrated in the areas of divorce and family law. She can be reached at (305) 520-9205 or via email at hyf@farberlawpa.com.
Disclaimer: This blog is provided solely for educational reasons and to provide you with general information and a general grasp of the law, not to provide particular legal advice. By using this blog site, you acknowledge that you and the Blog do not have an attorney-client relationship. The Blog is not intended to replace competent legal counsel from a certified professional attorney in your state.