When you say “I do,” you may envision a long life spent with your new spouse, creating memories that will last a lifetime. However, the last thing you expect is to answer a knock on your door only to find divorce papers waiting for you. Unfortunately, when your spouse files for an unexpected divorce, it can be devastating. If this reflects your circumstances, understanding what steps to take to best protect yourself in these matters is critical. Keep reading to learn more about these matters and the importance of working with Nassau County divorce lawyers to explore your legal options.
What Can I Expect in the Divorce Papers?
When you are served with divorce papers, it can be an incredibly emotional matter, regardless of whether or not you anticipated the divorce. However, it’s imperative to understand what information is included in these matters so you can properly respond. As such, you should take a little time to process your emotions before carefully reading the documents.
Generally, when you receive divorce papers, you’ll be served by someone other than your spouse, most commonly someone hired to hand you these papers. There are usually two different sets of documents included when served divorce papers. The first is the summons, which serves to inform you that your spouse has formally filed for divorce in the state of New York. The next is the complaint, which provides important information about the legal action your spouse has taken. This includes the relief sought by your spouse, which includes matters like alimony and child support, as well as the grounds on which they wish to file.
It’s important to read these documents carefully, as they contain important information, especially about when you must file a response. Failure to submit a response on time can result in a default judgment against you, meaning your spouse can recover everything they requested as part of the divorce.
How Can I Navigate an Unexpected Divorce?
When your spouse files for divorce and you were not anticipating it, it’s critical to understand that the most important thing you can do in these matters is connect with an attorney. Unfortunately, this is an incredibly emotional process, and when you feel blindsided by this decision, matters can be made worse. As such, your emotions surrounding this matter may cloud your judgment and can result in errors throughout this process that impact you for years following the divorce. However, working with an experienced attorney is critical to navigating these matters as quickly and easily as possible.
If you have been served papers for a divorce you never anticipated, it’s in your best interest to connect with the team at Sklavos Law Firm. We understand how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances. When you need help, our compassionate and competent team is ready. Contact us today to learn more.