If you recently hired a divorce attorney to move forward with ending your marriage, you may have questions on how the proceedings will work. One common concern is an ex refusing to respond to the papers sent to them. The following guide offers some valuable information regarding this issue to better equip you to move forward successfully.

How Long Do Respondents Have to Address the Petition?

Missouri law requires the spouse receiving the petition to act within 30 days of getting the paperwork. During this time, they must let the courts know if they agree or object to the terms of the divorce. By providing an answer to the court, the spouse signifies their participation in achieving a settlement. Without a response, the courts will assume the spouse is satisfied with the terms they were presented with and will move forward with the filing party’s requests.

What Happens if They Don’t Sign the Papers?

If, after the allotted time period, your spouse has not signed or responded to the petition, you can move forward with trying to achieve what is called a default divorce. In this case, a hearing will take place, during which your ex may or may not be present. If they do show up, the courts likely won’t grant the default divorce and will move forward with typical proceedings. If they don’t show up, the courts will grant you the terms outlined in your initial petition.

What Happens if They Contest the Divorce?

If your spouse does not want to end the marriage, you will need your divorce attorney to prove to the courts that your partnership is irretrievably broken. This will allow you to move forward with the proceedings without your ex’s compliance. Courts will consider a marriage to be irretrievably broken in cases of adultery on the other party’s behalf, abandonment for at least six months, unstable or unsatisfactory living conditions, or at least two months of separation.

If you’re seeking a divorce attorney to help you move forward with the proceedings, turn to Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. in Lake St Louis, MO. Their team has over 75 years of combined experience, allowing them to provide personalized strategies and top-quality guidance. To learn more about their practice areas, visit their website. Call (636) 561-5599 to schedule a consultation today.