What to Do After Being Served with Divorce Papers: A Legal Professional's Guide for North Carolina Residents

July 24, 2023

What to Do After Being Served with Divorce Papers: A Legal Professional's Guide for North Carolina Residents

Receiving papers that you are being served with divorce papers is never easy. It can be an emotional and overwhelming experience that can leave you feeling anxious about what comes next. As a legal professional at The Stiltner Law Firm, PLLC, I'm here to help guide you step-by-step through the process. In this blog post, I will discuss what you should do after being served with divorce papers if you're a North Carolina resident.


Read the Divorce Papers Carefully



It is important to read the papers carefully and not rush through them. You need to make sure you understand what they say before moving on to the next step. The documents typically include a cover sheet, complaint or petition, summons, and a notice of hearing. These documents will outline the reasons for the divorce, the spouse's requests, and the date and time of the hearing.


Do Not Ignore the Summons


You need to respond to the summons within a certain time frame. Failing to respond to the divorce papers may result in an automatic divorce granted to your spouse. It is best to seek legal advice and respond to the papers in a timely manner, even if you do not agree with the request made by your spouse.


Seek Legal Advice


It is crucial to seek professional legal advice as soon as possible after being served with divorce papers. A lawyer who specializes in divorce law can guide you through the process, tell you what rights you have, and what action needs to be taken in a timely manner. A lawyer can also offer suggestions regarding strategies to protect your rights, assets, and interests.


Organize Your Financial Records


A divorce typically involves dividing assets and debts. It is important to have a clear picture of your financial situation. You will need to gather all financial documents, including bank statements, credit card statements, tax returns, vehicle registrations, mortgage statements, and investment documents to help you understand the state of your finances. You may also need to work with a financial professional to develop a plan for your finances following the divorce.


Attend the Hearing


If both parties cannot resolve issues in mediation, a hearing will be scheduled. You should attend the hearing, even if you do not have legal representation, to better understand the proceedings. It is a good idea to be respectful and courteous throughout, and make sure to listen carefully to what is being said. The judge will consider evidence and statements from both parties and make a decision on issues such as alimony, child custody, and property division.


Being served with divorce papers can be overwhelming, however, hiring a professional legal expert is key to helping you make the best decisions for you and your family. At The Stiltner Law Firm, PLLC, we are committed to providing expert legal service to North Carolina residents throughout the divorce process. We hope that the tips outlined in this blog post will help you understand what to do after being served with divorce papers. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our experienced divorce attorneys.

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