How Long After Being Served Divorce Papers Do You Have to Respond?

If you were just served divorce papers, you might be tempted to stick them in a drawer and try to forget about them. It’s certainly understandable that you might feel this way—being served divorce papers can be devastating for even the strongest of people, and it’s especially upsetting if you didn’t know the papers were coming—but unfortunately you don’t have the luxury of waiting very long before responding.

In Florida, once you’ve been served with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, you have only 20 days to file an Answer and Counter-Petition. If you fail to do so, a default judgment could be entered against you, which could have staggering repercussions. So, if you need to, take a day or two to process your emotions, but then get started preparing a response. One of the best things you can do at this point is hire a qualified divorce attorney, since he or she will have extensive experience drafting and filing response papers and know exactly how to proceed.

Knowledgeable Divorce Attorneys Serving the Tampa Bay Area

If you need help responding to divorce papers, you can rely on the skilled attorneys at the Law Offices of Audrey A. Jefferis, P.A. We’re based in New Port Richey and represent clients across Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Hernando Counties. Contact us today to arrange a consultation—we have offices in New Port Richey and Palm Harbor, and we’re available to meet with you between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.