What happens after the Petition for Dissolution is filed and served?
After the Petition has been filed and served, the responding spouse has thirty days in which to file and serve a Response. In some cases the parties reach a complete resolution of all issues, such as custody, visitation, child support, spousal support and property division. In those cases, the attorney prepares a Stipulated Judgment incorporating their agreement, and the matter is concluded. In cases where the parties do not reach a resolution on all or any of the issues, one or both sides might file an Order to Show Cause (OSC) to obtain certain interim orders. If children are involved, the attorney usually files an OSC so that the court can schedule an early hearing on issues such as custody, support, or restraining orders. If an OSC regarding custody and visitation is filed on your behalf, you must attend court-ordered mediation. Any agreement you and your spouse reach during mediation will be the basis for the courts order on those issues. In complex dissolution proceedings the att
