Do both parties need to attend a final divorce hearing or trial?
A1: It depends on the type of case. In a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage proceeding, both parties MUST attend the final hearing. In an Uncontested Divorce proceeding, the petitioner MUST attend the final hearing but the respondent is not required to appear. In a Contested Divorce proceeding, both parties MUST attend the final hearing or trial. Please note: The Judge will only consider testimony that he/she hears. If you have information that you want the Judge to consider, you must attend the hearing or trial.
