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Dads Divorce - Free custody and alimony advice for men and fathers.

Providing essential divorce, alimony, custody and support information and resources to men at any stage of divorce.

Jul 05
2009

Ask a Lawyer: Answering complaint after 30 days

Posted by: Dads Divorce

Tagged in: summons , Rules , response , Procedures , petition , GA , ex parte , default , Ask A Lawyer , answer

Question:

I filed for divorce on 6-15-2005. In the complaint, it states in the summons: "To the Above Named Defendant: You are hereby summoned and required to file with the Clerk of said court and serve upon the Plaintiff's attorney, whose name is: (Name & Address of my attorney) an answer to the complaint which is herewith served upon you, within 30 days after service of this summons upon you, exclusive of the day of service. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the complaint" The relief I demanded was no-fault divorce, custody of our 2 minor children, and an equitable division of our marital assets. The deadline for my STBX to answer was 7-29-2005. My attorney heard nothing from her until 8-30-2005. He said she answered. I asked him whether that was allowed, he said yes because there are minor children involved and the court allows latitude because of the kids. I called the Civil Clerk, and someone in that office told me the same thing. It still doesn't sound legal. Is the court allowed to go back on its word like that?

Answer:

I am not presently licensed in the State of Georgia and therefore cannot answer you question specifically to the laws of that State. In my jurisdiction, you could have had a default hearing as early as July 30, 2005. However, if she moved to set aside the dissolution and custody order on August 30, 2005 in all likelihood the court would have set aside the divorce judgment and allowed her 20-30 days to file an answer.
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