How to Answer Divorce Papers in Michigan
A divorce is never an easy process for any of the parties involved. Often marriages end because of irrevocable differences between partners and sometimes more serious allegations. Regardless of the reason divorce takes an emotional toll on both spouses and is a complicated and drawn out process. If you are served divorce papers in Michigan the process, while it has some of its own procedures, is similar to that in the rest of the nation.
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Instructions
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Receive and review the divorce papers. Most likely these will be given to you by a legal representative, either your spouse's lawyer or an aid or assistant to the lawyer. The papers will list reasons for the divorce and why your spouse is requesting it. Pay particular attention to any ex-parte orders in the document. Ex-parte orders, issued by the court, deal with things such as custody of children, child support and protection from harassment. As soon as you receive the divorce papers these orders go into effect so make sure you understand what they mean.
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Contact an attorney. Divorce proceedings can be difficult and full of paperwork so to ensure you receive what is in your best interests hire an experienced divorce attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney or do not wish to do so, you may represent yourself.
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Contact the state court or county clerk's office. Let them know you were served with divorce papers. The office provides information on what forms are needed and how long the process typically takes.
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Respond to all allegations in the divorce papers. As part of the process your spouse must list all reasons for requesting a divorce. You must, in turn, respond to the allegations. Make sure your attorney or the county clerk's office provide all necessary forms for the response and guide you through the process.
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Sign and have the response forms notarized when you are finished. You must return your response to the court within 21 days of receiving the papers or you will be considered in default. If you go into default the divorce will proceed without you having the chance to respond to the allegations.
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File a counter-complaint for divorce if desired. A counter-complaint allows you to issue your own allegations or reasons for a divorce and gives the court a chance to hear both sides of the story. Whether you decide to file a counter-complaint or not the divorce will proceed.
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References
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