Even if you’re expecting your spouse to file for divorce, holding the papers in your hand after you’ve been served can come as quite a shock. What do you do and when? It’s tough to know the exact protocol if you haven’t been through a divorce before. Here are the four steps to take if you’ve been served divorce papers.
- Contact your family law attorney.
Once the initial shock has worn off, contact your family law attorney. If you don’t already have one, start asking around for recommendations and begin the interview process. Time is of the essence, and you want to begin addressing this issue as soon as possible.
- Read the papers you’ve been served.
As soon as you’ve been served divorce papers, it can be tempting to set them aside. This
is a bad idea. Your divorce papers contain important information, as well as a date when you or your attorney will need to file a written response to these papers. It is very important that this response is filed on time, so pay particular attention to its due date and time.
- Gather papers that will be important in your case.
Spend the time now to start gathering your paperwork because it will make it easier for you and your attorney to craft your response to the divorce papers. Find old bank statements, mortgage payments, and household bills. Look for pay stubs, paperwork from 401ks, and any dividends from investments. Basically, if it is something that is of value either as an asset or as an expense, set it aside.
- Meet with your attorney to craft a response.
Now is a great time to ask your attorney any questions you might have about your divorce paperwork. Make sure to bring all the papers you’ve gathered regarding your
income and expenses.
Once you and your attorney have reviewed everything, you will craft a response to your
spouse’s divorce papers. This response will include important items such as child custody or visitation, child support, and bill payment during the time of the divorce. Remember, this response must be filed on time, so check your due date.
Do You Have Questions About Your Divorce Process?
Whether you have just been served papers or are further in the Texas divorce process, the Alsandor Law Firm is here to answer your questions. Our knowledgeable family law attorneys are happy to talk to you about what typically happens during the divorce process and what you can expect to happen along the way. Give us a call today at (713) 352-3506 or contact us online. We’re here to help!
