How Should You Respond if You’ve Been Served Divorce Papers in Franklin County, Ohio?

Bring served with a complaint for divorce is a difficult and frustrating event for most people. You may be feeling shocked or confused at first by the notion that someone could want to end their relationship with you, but dealing with the divorce process is complicated and often not as simple as it seems.

It can be helpful to understand the legal nature of divorce, mainly if you are in a situation where you are worried about the legitimacy or accuracy of your spouse's divorce papers. Divorce is a complex process that requires careful planning and the assistance of an attorney. If your spouse has filed for divorce, you should take time to receive professional guidance before responding to these papers.

1. File an Answer with the Court

In Ohio, several options are available to you when seeking a divorce. This can help you determine which is best for your situation and allow you to decide whether you wish to battle in Court. You could file an answer with the Court stating that you deny all the allegations in your spouse's divorce papers. This can serve as a way for you to begin planning for your future during this difficult time. While ignoring your spouse's divorce filing can be tempting, doing so can impact your future legal proceedings.

2. Seek Legal Assistance

If you are still determining the legitimacy of these papers, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced attorney. The law can be complex, and a lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations under Ohio law. An attorney can also help you determine whether your spouse has grounds to file for divorce. This will put you on the right track in responding correctly to your spouse's divorce papers.

3. Request Mediation or Collaborative Divorce

If you feel that you and your spouse are amicable and want to divorce civilly, you can request mediation or collaborative divorce. Divorce mediation is an excellent option for couples who wish to handle their divorce privately. A mediator will help you reach a mutual agreement on issues such as child custody, child support, and alimony. If this is what you want, consider using divorce mediation in Ohio.

4. Seek Custody of Your Children

If your spouse seeks full or partial custody of your children, you must respond to this request. This is important if you believe your spouse cannot take care of the children. You may be able to seek sole or joint custody.

Receiving divorce papers is difficult for you and your loved ones. You may feel several emotions, including anger, sadness, or confusion. Even though the process may seem overwhelming, you should take steps to address the issue at hand in a timely fashion.

Wood & Brewer offer free initial consultations to discuss your options and can help with how to navigate through your divorce proceedings. We invite you to contact us today.