What happens after filing a contested divorce Complaint?
The Defendant has 20 days in which to Answer your Complaint for Divorce. The Defendant could either file an answer with the Court, at which point you could file motions for temporary relief, addressing issues such as temporary custody, support, visitation, and temporary property issues. The Court can also schedule Pre-Trial hearings, or other types of hearings. In a no-fault divorce, a final trial date will not be obtained for at least six months from the date of filing. A summons that must be purchased from the Court and a copy of the Complaint must be served on the adverse party. This is accomplished by providing the documents to the Sheriff or Constable in the County where the adverse party lives. The sheriff or constable will then forward to your attorney the original summons with a “Return of Service” on the back of the Summons. This indicates that the sheriff has served the defendant a copy of the divorce papers. Your attorney will then file the return of service with the Court a
