Served With Divorce Papers In Fort Lauderdale? Here’s How To Respond

Being served with divorce papers in Fort Lauderdale is a jarring experience, whether you saw it coming or not. Your first instinct might be to set the documents aside until you feel ready to deal with them. However, this could jeopardize your rights in court.

Our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney provides trusted legal help to clients in these cases and understands what you’re going through. Find out what to do if served and why taking immediate action is so important.

What Happens When Served With a Divorce Petition in Broward County

Getting served with a Broward County divorce petition can be very stressful and confusing. It represents a turning point in any breakup, which can be hard to accept. However, it’s also the beginning of a legal process with strict deadlines that start running the moment service is complete.

Being aware of the rules that apply can help protect your rights in this situation. Here is what happens once you get served:

• You have the right to respond with an Answer, stating your position on the issues raised in the divorce petition.
• There’s a 20-day deadline to respond, and missing it can result in a default judgment, awarding your spouse what they asked for regarding marital property and other divorce-related matters.
• A status quo order takes effect automatically, preventing both spouses from dissipating marital assets, canceling insurance policies, or making unusual financial moves.
• You have 45 days to exchange financial information and certain documents, including pay stubs, bank statements, and past tax returns.

How you respond to a Broward County divorce petition sets the tone for your entire case. To protect your rights, get professional legal guidance right away.

Practical Steps to Take After Being Served With Divorce Papers in Fort Lauderdale

When faced with the end of a marriage and the prospect of divorce proceedings, it’s not uncommon for people to freeze and not know what to do. If you receive divorce papers in Fort Lauderdale, take these practical steps to protect yourself in court:

• Read the petition carefully, note every issue raised, and note what they are asking the court for.
• Make an inventory of all marital property and begin gathering tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and other financial documents.
• Avoid discussing the case with others or posting on social media, as your comments can resurface in court.
• Before reaching out to your spouse to try to change their mind or reach a settlement, contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney first.

Act quickly and get legal help before the 20-day deadline passes, so that we can develop a timely, strategic response.

Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Divorce Attorney Today

Once served with divorce papers in Fort Lauderdale, the clock is running, and how you respond in the next 20 days matters. At The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A., our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney protects clients throughout Broward County, helping them make a timely and strategic response. To request a consultation, contact us today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.052.html

flcourts.gov/Services/Family-Courts/domestic-relations-court-resources/dissolution-of-marriage-divorce

flcourts.gov/Services/Family-Courts/domestic-relations-court-resources/family-law-forms/Petition-for-Dissolution-of-Marriage-12.901-Forms-A-B3