Question:

When you’re served with divorce papers, is there a time line for when you must sign and return them?
 

Answer:

I must inform you that I am not licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. However, Cordell & Cordell has many attorneys licensed and located in Pennsylvania who would be happy to help you. Because each state has different laws governing dissolution of marriage, it is important that you contact a domestic litigation attorney licensed in Pennsylvania prior to taking any action.

Often people do not realize that a divorce is a lawsuit.  Lawsuits are initiated by filing and serving a Complaint on the other party.  Once a party receives the Complaint which is known as being served, the receiving party must file an Answer which will deny the allegations or admit the allegations contained in the Complaint.  Each state has a set time in which an Answer must be filed.  You must file an Answer or risk having a default judgment entered against you. Since you have been served, you should file an Answer or ask your wife’s attorney for an extension of time so that you may seek counsel or prepare your Answer.

Steven “Lee” Akins, Jr. is a Staff Attorney in the Memphis, Tennessee office of Cordell & Cordell, P.C. Mr. Akins practices exclusively in the area of domestic relations. He received his BBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University and continued his education to receive his Juris Doctor from Texas Wesleyan University.