After the Petition is filed in a divorce case, the next important document is the Response. If you have been served with a Petition for divorce, the Response is your opportunity to formally state your position and outline your requests.
What Is in a Response?
A Response is your answer to the Petition filed by the other spouse (the Petitioner). It’s your chance to:
- Agree or disagree with the claims made in the Petition
- Correct any incorrect biographical details in the Petition
- Make your own requests for relief (such as asking for equal parenting time, child support, maintenance, or attorney fees)
What Happens After the Response Is Filed?
Once the Response is filed with the court, the case moves into the next phase. In many divorce cases, completing a financial disclosure is the next step.
Do You Need an Attorney to File a Response?
While you can technically file a Response on your own, a skilled attorney can help ensure that your Response is filed correctly, that all relevant issues are addressed, and that your position is properly represented.