• Responding to a Divorce


    United LDA is right by your side to ease you right through a divorce process. With the help of an experienced document preparer at United LDA, we will prepare the response at your discretion for a fraction of the cost of hiring a lawyer.  Once you are served there are several options on how to approach the Petition and Summons.

    If you desire to file a response, you have 30 days from the date you were served with a Petition and Summons to respond.

    1. First, (Do Nothing, No Response) “True Default”- which means that whatever your spouse or domestic partner is asking for in the Petition will probably be granted. The judge will base his or her decision about the property, support, and custody, and visitation (if you have children together) only on what your spouse or domestic partner has requested in the Petition.
    • Second, (Do nothing) “Default with Written Agreement” -because you have a written notarized agreement with your spouse or domestic partner where you both agree to end your marriage or domestic partnership. And you agree about other things like the division of your property and your debt, spousal or partner support, and, if you have children together, child support and custody and visitation orders.
    • Third, (File a response AND written agreement) “Uncontested Case” A response is filed with the court but also reach an agreement with your spouse or domestic partner about all the issues.
    • Fourth, (File a response AND No written agreement) “Contested Case” Since you and your spouse or domestic partner do not have an agreement and will need the court to make decisions in your case.

    Working Out an Agreement with Your Spouse or Domestic Partner

    In the agreement, you can both agree to end your marriage or domestic partnership. You can also agree about:

    • Spousal support: Court-ordered support of a spouse or ex-spouse; sometimes also referred to as “maintenance” or “alimony.”
    • Child support: Money paid by a parent to help support a child or children.
    • Child custody and visitation orders, if you have children together.
    • Dividing property and debt.

    At United LDA, each response will be customized to fit each case and specific needs. Each and every divorce case is different and should be treated as such.  At United LDA, we have the necessary experience to draft a custom agreement.

    Responding to a Divorce Standard Fees $899.00 + Court Fees + Service of Process

    This information is for general use and is not intended as full and comprehensive instruction. This is intended as an information tool to assist you. For additional information, we recommend you seek legal advice. If you need to consult with an attorney, we will be able to provide you with a referral with one of our collaborating attorneys.