The first thing to do if you’ve been served with divorce papers is to seek independent legal counsel. Most people are harmed by what they don’t know, not by what they know. Law, especially family law, is not logical or reasonable. It’s just the law.
Read the papers you were served with. Typically you’re served with a Petition, a Summons, possibly a Schedule of Assets and Debts, an Income & Expense Declaration, a blank Schedule of Assets and Debts, a blank Income & Expense Declaration, and a blank Response. You must file your response within thirty days or you will be defaulted. Once you are defaulted you have no rights before the court until the default is overturned, which can be expensive and difficult to do.
You may have also been served with a Motion or an Order to Show Cause (OSC), which will notify you of a court date. There are very specific deadlines for you to file your responsive papers. Failure to do so is again a default and you will lose critical rights.
Next, make three copies of everything. Put one copy in a safe place where it won’t be lost or stolen. Keep one copy in your car, and give one to the attorney from whom you are seeking advice and counsel.
The critical issue in all divorce cases is typically the finances. He or she that controls or has access to all the financial information, including taxes, is in control of the case. The following materials will further educate and inform you on how to proceed.