Served? Respond to a Divorce With Professional Guidance
Responding to a divorce includes preparing your answer in a timely fashion, filing it with the court system, and serving it to the other party.
We can also file a counter-petition on your behalf for the additional fee. Learn more to see if you need to file a counter-petition.
$250
***Fees Not Included in Price
- $500 for counter-petition
- $295 filing fee
What Is a Counter-Petition for Divorce?
A counter-petition for divorce is a legal document filed by the respondent in a divorce case, essentially presenting their requests and claims regarding the dissolution of the marriage.
In other words, if you’ve been served divorce papers, you can file a document in response, outlining your desired outcomes for issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, and support.
Why You Need a Florida Divorce Attorney
As soon as you’re served divorce papers, your first move should be to consult with a divorce attorney, especially if you plan to file a counter-petition.
An experienced attorney will ensure your rights and interests are adequately represented and protected throughout the entire process. This includes providing valuable guidance on legal strategies, helping you understand complex legal documents, and advocating on your behalf in court.
Divorce can be complicated, messy, and isolating – but partnering with the right attorney can make the process significantly less overwhelming.
How to Respond After Being Served Divorce Papers
Q1. Book a Legal Consultation Online
As soon as you’re handed the divorce papers, schedule a consultation with a divorce attorney through our easy-to-use online booking system. This initial consultation will help you understand your legal position and the next steps to take.
Q2. Make a List of Questions & Gather Documents
Next, you’ll want to prepare for your consultation by listing any questions or concerns you have and gathering relevant documents such as financial statements, property records, and any communication related to your divorce.
Q3. Meet With Your Attorney Virtually
Finally, attend your virtual meeting with your attorney, right from the comfort of your own home. Your lawyer will guide you through the process of responding to the divorce petition and discuss whether filing a counter-petition is advisable.
Make Your Divorce as Easy as Possible
We won’t sugarcoat things: divorce is difficult, and we can’t change that.
However, Untying the Knot can make the legal aspects of getting divorced easier and faster. If you’re filing a counter-petition for the dissolution of marriage, allow our team to walk you through the process, virtually and efficiently.
If you’ve been dreading contacting a lawyer, trust us: we’re different from other firms. Our goal is to make divorce easier than ever, so you can get back to the rest of your life quickly and semi-painlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who usually serves divorce papers?
In most cases, divorce papers are served by a professional process server or a sheriff’s deputy. These individuals are authorized to deliver legal documents and ensure the respondent is properly notified of the pending legal action.
The papers must be served correctly to avoid any delays or complications in the divorce process.
Sometimes, divorce papers can also be served by a third party who is over the age of 18 and not involved in the case. This ensures that the process is unbiased and meets legal requirements.
Regardless of who serves the papers, they must follow specific legal protocols to ensure that the service is valid and recognized by the court.
Q2. What is the next stage of divorce?
After being served with divorce papers, the next stage is typically for the respondent to file an answer to the petition. This may include filing a counter-petition for dissolution of marriage.
Following the filing of the answer and any counter-petition, the divorce process moves into the discovery phase. During this stage, both parties exchange information and documents related to their financial situation, assets, debts, and any other relevant matters.
Q3. How long do most divorces take in Florida?
We know you want this process to be over as quickly as possible. However, the duration of a divorce in Florida can vary widely depending on several factors, including:
- The complexity of the case
- The level of cooperation between the parties
- Whether there are contested issues such as child custody or property division
On average, an uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms can take around 3 to 6 months. However, if there are disputes that require court intervention, the process can take much longer, sometimes extending to a year or more.
Filing a counter-petition for divorce can also affect the timeline, as it may introduce additional issues that need to be resolved.
Q4. Are our divorce attorney appointments entirely virtual?
Yes, our divorce attorney appointments are entirely online, allowing you to handle your divorce from the comfort of your own home. This approach not only saves time but also provides a more convenient and less stressful experience.
Whether you need assistance with filing a counter-petition or any other aspect of your divorce, our attorneys are available to meet with you through secure, virtual consultations.
Schedule a Meeting With a Florida Divorce Attorney
Not ready to file a counter-petition? No worries – you can start by simply talking to one of our divorce attorneys for 30 minutes.
We won’t pressure you to make any decision. Instead, we’ll simply walk you through your options and prepare you for the next step.