What is the legal divorce process like?
Although some divorces are very simple and can be handled with a minimum amount of red tape and delay, such as when there is no significant property involved and the couple has no children, most divorces are far more difficult and can take many different courses. The following, however, is a basic outline of the divorce process. One spouse contacts a lawyer, who assists in the preparation of a complaint, the legal document that sets forth the reasons why the divorce should be granted and outlines the relief sought. The complaint is filed with the court and served on the other spouse, together with a summons that requires that spouse’s response. The served spouse must respond within the time limit prescribed or it will be assumed that he or she does not contest the petition, in which case the petitioner will be granted the requested relief. The response, or answer, must set forth the relief that the answering spouse requests. The parties, through their attorneys, engage in “discovery,”
