How long do you have to respond to divorce papers in Massachusetts?

You should file an answer in court to the complaint within 20 days of receiving the summons and complaint or 7 days if it's a Complaint for Contempt. Be sure to get your answer to the plaintiff and the court by that deadline.

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Answer or Response to Petition or Complaint for Dissolution of...

Massachusetts Answer or Response to Petition or Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage or Divorce

Q: What happens if spouse doesn t respond to divorce petition in Massachusetts?

When a spouse doesn&#039;t respond to a divorce petition, the court can proceed with a divorce without his or her response. Typically, the person who filed for divorce will need to submit additional paperwork to the court including a request for a default divorce.

Q: What happens if you don t respond to divorce papers in Massachusetts?

If you don&#039;t file an answer and don&#039;t go to court, the court may give the relief requested by the plaintiff. Make sure the answer form is the correct one for the complaint. For example, if the complaint is a Complaint for Divorce, make sure you complete the Answer to Complaint for Divorce.

Category:

Family Law - Divorce - Dissolution of Marriage

State:

Multi-State

Control #:

US-02179BG

Format:

Instant download

Description

In the answer to a civil lawsuit, the respondent/defendant tells his side of the story. He is supposed to admit facts that are true and deny allegations that are not true. This answer must be filed within 30 days in some state courts. Failure to file an answer can result in a default judgment against the respondent/defendant. A default judgment is a judgment for failure to defend that is entered against the respondent/defendant just like there had been a trial.

This form is a generic example of an answer that may be referred to when preparing such a pleading for your particular state.

Massachusetts Submission to Arbitration of Matters Pertaining to Dissolution of Partnership

View this form

Massachusetts Answer to Complaint

View this form

Massachusetts Letter to Client - Interrogatories to Answer

View this form

Massachusetts Letter to Client - Request for Admissions to Answer

View this form

Massachusetts Defendant's Answer to the Complaint

View this form

Sample Letter to Judge regarding Agreed Order

View this form

How to fill out Answer Or Response To Petition Or Complaint For Dissolution Of Marriage Or Divorce?

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FAQ

When a spouse doesn't respond to a divorce petition, the court can proceed with a divorce without his or her response. Typically, the person who filed for divorce will need to submit additional paperwork to the court including a request for a default divorce.

Mail or deliver the original answer to the court clerk. You have five days from the day you gave a copy to the plaintiff to get the original to the court. You can file your answer at court first, but you must give your answer to the plaintiff the same day you fill out the certificate of service.

How do I answer the complaint? Read the summons and make sure you know the date you must answer by. Read the complaint carefully. ... Write your answer. Sign and date the answer. Make copies for the plaintiff and yourself. Mail a copy to the plaintiff. ... File your answer with the court by the date on the summons.

The counterclaim also allows the responding party to ask the court for what they want out of the divorce. This will include information about spousal support, child custody, child support, and the distribution of the assets from your marriage. Not all divorces will require one party to file an answer or counterclaim.

You should file an answer in court to the complaint within 20 days of receiving the summons and complaint or 7 days if it's a Complaint for Contempt. Be sure to get your answer to the plaintiff and the court by that deadline.

If you don't file an answer and don't go to court, the court may give the relief requested by the plaintiff. Make sure the answer form is the correct one for the complaint. For example, if the complaint is a Complaint for Divorce, make sure you complete the Answer to Complaint for Divorce.