How do I respond to a divorce petition?
If you have been served with a divorce petition in Maryland, you must respond within 30 days of the date of service. The response must be filed in the county where you were served and must include an answer to the allegations in the petition. When responding to a divorce petition, you can either admit or deny the allegations. If you admit the allegations, the court can grant the divorce without further hearings. If you deny the allegations, your case will proceed to trial. You can also file a counter-petition with your answer, if you would like to ask for something from the court. This may include spousal support, a bid for custody of your children, or restraining orders. You can make any requests that are relevant to your case. If you are unsure how to respond to a divorce petition, you should seek legal advice. An attorney can review the specifics of your case and help you decide how to proceed. Your attorney can also explain your rights, and guide you through the divorce process.
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