What to Do When Served Divorce Papers

Divorce is unfortunately common in our society - in fact, roughly half of all marriages end in divorce. Being served divorce papers is an incredibly challenging thing to have to go through, and when it happens, it can be difficult to know just how to react. You will probably be feeling emotional, but it's important to create a plan of action so you know where to go from here. Here are some important steps to take after you've been served divorce papers. 

Clarify your response deadline. 

Before you do anything else, make sure to figure out exactly how long you have to respond to the divorce papers. The deadline is usually around three weeks, but it can vary from state to state. The first thing you should do is research your state's procedures for responding to a divorce - you will usually need to file an answer or a similar counterclaim by the deadline, or else the case will proceed without you. 

Get support from friends and family. 

Getting served with a divorce is not easy, and it's important to process your emotions the best you can. Reach out to family and close friends to let them know you will be needing a bit of extra support, whatever that means to you. You also may want to consider seeing a therapist, who can provide you with emotional tools to work through this difficult time. You may be tempted to contact your spouse in anger, but you should resist the urge, as it will only make the situation more difficult. 

Assess your budget.

Divorce can create some financial uncertainty in your family, so now is the perfect time to assess your budget. You might want to put away some money in savings or take steps to raise your income. You should also make note of any joint accounts or other financial assets shared with your partner so that you can address it in the court case. 

Decide on legal representation. 

Although you can get through divorce proceedings without a lawyer, it's not advisable. Right after you've been served is the perfect time to start talking to lawyers in your area. If you can afford to, you can have a lawyer handle the entire case. However, if you are trying to save money, you can use them just to file the paperwork in the beginning and then handle the court appearances on your own. Talk to a few different lawyers before making a decision to ensure you find one you are comfortable with. 

Talk to your kids. 

Once the dust has settled a bit, it's time to bring your children into the loop, if you have any. Try to be as clear as possible without getting emotional. Divorce is hard on children too, so even though it can be difficult, it's important to be sensitive to their feelings.