How do I respond to a divorce petition?

If you have been served with a divorce petition in Virginia, the first step is to respond to the petition in writing. This is done by filing an answer, which is a legal document that you submit to the court. In the answer, you need to assert whether you agree or disagree with the petitioner’s claims in the petition. The answer should set forth the facts on which you rely if you contest any of the claims in the petition. You should also include any counterclaims you have against the other party. The answer must be filed within 21 days of the date you are served with the petition. If you do not answer, you may lose your right to contest the divorce and the court may grant the divorce by default. You may want to consult a Virginia family law attorney to make sure you understand your rights and are filing the answer correctly. Once the answer has been filed, the court will set a hearing date and notify you of the date and time. At the hearing, you can present your arguments and evidence to the court. The court will then make a decision about the divorce based on the evidence and arguments presented by both parties.

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How do I respond to a divorce petition?

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