Steps to Filing a Divorce in Huntsville
In Huntsville as elsewhere, divorce can be an emotional and difficult experience. One of the important things that divorce law firms in Huntsville can do for clients is make the process easier. Understanding the process is a step in that direction.
The type of divorce a couple seeks determines which documents need to be prepared and which steps need to be taken. Divorces begin with one spouse filing a petition for divorce against the other party and ends in a decree of divorce. Some parties may decide to reach agreements on some or all of the issues that arise in a divorce before filing a petition. A highly qualified divorce law firm in Huntsville like Watson Graffeo P.C. can assist you in determining the type of divorce, such as collaborative divorce, that is best for you and help you prepare the proper documentation.
The petition
Divorce starts when one spouse, the petitioner, files the petition for divorce. The petition lays out the grounds for filing the Huntsville divorce and the wishes of the petitioner regarding division of assets and debts, and issues relating to children such as child support and custody. A Huntsville divorce law firm can explain the grounds of divorce to the petitioner while helping to determine the grounds used in the petition and how to best state the outcome the petitioner wishes for the divorce.
Serving the other spouse
Once the petition is filed, it is then served upon the other spouse, or respondent, who has 20 days to respond. If the respondent agrees with the requests stated by the petitioner, he or she can simply sign the divorce papers and return them to the court. If the respondent does not agree with the terms set out in the petition, an answer must be filed that lays out any proposed changes or counter offers. Finally, if a respondent refuses to take action or ignores the petition, a court can grant a default, which awards all the requests of the petitioner.
When you are served with a petition for divorce, it is important to speak with a Huntsville divorce law firm so you can file a timely response and avoid a default verdict being entered against you.
Finalizing the divorce
The law in Alabama requires the parties to wait at least 30 days after the petition is filed before a divorce can be finalized. After the waiting period, a judge reviews the submitted documents and makes a decision. The document finalizing a divorce is called a decree of dissolution of marriage. This document officially terminates the marriage.
If you are considering filing for divorce and do not know where to start, or have been served with a divorce petition, it is important to contact a divorce law firm in Huntsville.
Contact our divorce law firm in Huntsville for full legal service
If you seek excellence in legal services, call us at 1-877-536-8373 or contact Watson Graffeo P.C. online. Our Huntsville divorce attorneys are licensed to practice law in Alabama, Tennessee, and Montana.
