Sometimes, a Wheat Ridge, Arvada, or Lakewood divorce is expected after a lengthy separation and discussion of a marriage dissolution as the next step. Other times, one party is blindsided after being served with divorce papers. Either way, there is always a sense of anxiety that arises once you have been served with dissolution of marriage papers. Whether anticipated or not, what you should do next remains the same for both situations.
Read Your Jefferson County Divorce Paperwork Carefully
The first step is to thoroughly read through the divorce papers you have been served. The paperwork provides very important information, like filing deadlines and which Court the paperwork was filed in. The paperwork may also outline any requests by your spouse, including child support, child custody, alimony, and property division. You may also learn if your spouse has an attorney or if they filed the paperwork without a divorce lawyer. Reading through the paperwork can be overwhelming. It is in your best interest to reach out to an experienced Jefferson County divorce attorney. They will walk through the paperwork with you and explain everything in a way you will easily understand. Hiring a divorce lawyer will help you with the next steps as well, and make the divorce process go more smoothly.
Filing a Response to Your Arvada Divorce Petition
Generally, you will have 21 days from the date you were served the divorce paperwork to file a response, called an answer. This answer allows you to assert whether you agree or disagree with what is stated in the divorce petition. This step is where you decide whether the divorce will be contested or uncontested. If you agree with the divorce complaint, your divorce will be uncontested. If you disagree with even one complaint, then your divorce will be contested. If you miss the deadline or do not file an answer, then the court can proceed without you and make decisions on the divorce without your input.
Documents are Vital in Divorce Proceedings
After you file an answer, it is important that you gather documents that will support your arguments in the divorce. An expert divorce lawyer in Mountain View and Golden will be able to walk you through this process, helping you discern which documents are important and which will not help. They can also help you gather a list of assets and compile your financial statement.
If you have been served divorce papers, contact the best divorce attorneys from the Pearman Law Firm at 303-991-7600 for a initial phone consultation.
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