August 29, 2022
When you receive divorce papers in Florida, you may feel like your world is crumbling. You may feel scared, alone, and unsure of what to do next. It is important to remember that you have options and you are not alone.
It’s recommended to consult with an attorney before taking any action. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can help you navigate the divorce process and figure out how to carry out the response you choose.
Here are four possible responses to getting a petition for divorce in Florida.
1) Ignore the Petition
If you do not want to get divorced, you can choose to ignore the petition. However, this will not stop the divorce from happening. If you don’t do anything with the papers, you are essentially giving the person who filed the petition the green light to still go through with the divorce.
Florida has regulations to wait for the spouse’s response for 20 days. Remember that the court will grant the divorce without your input, and they can make all of the decisions about the divorce, including child custody, alimony, and property division.
2) Affirm the Petition
If you agree with the divorce papers, you can affirm the petition. This means that you agree to the divorce and that you want the motion carried. You can also affirm the petition if you agree with the terms and reasons set out in the petition.
Be sure to coordinate with your hired family lawyer to figure out how you can affirm the petition and how to handle the aftermath of separating from your former spouse. Typically, all you have to do is sign an affidavit to affirm that you want to get a divorce from your spouse.
3) Contest the Petition
If you don’t desire a divorce, you can contest the petition. This means that you must file a response to the petition within a set amount of time. You can contest the petition if you believe that you and your spouse can work things out or if you think that your spouse doesn’t have grounds for a divorce.
If you choose to contest the petition, you’ll be setting things up for a trial. Your lawyer will have to present your case and prove your side of the story. After you present your side of the story, the judge will make a decision on the divorce.
4) Consider Mediation
If you’re unsure whether you want to get a divorce or not, you may want to consider going to mediation. Mediation is a discussion process where you and your spouse work out the issues and differences that are causing the rift between you two.
If you’re able to work out all of your differences, you may be able to avoid divorce altogether. However, if the mediation doesn’t work out, you can always continue with the divorce process and respond differently.
Conclusion
If you are served with a petition paper for divorce in Florida, it’s important to respond promptly. Each response has its own set of pros and cons that you and your lawyer should consider before taking any action.
Seeking a family lawyer? Dorsey Law Jax in Jacksonville, FL, has top attorneys specializing in family law, criminal law, and personal injury. Get in touch with us today!
