Have you been served legal papers?

If someone has given you legal papers, you must do something.

These papers can often be called a:

“Complaint for Divorce”

or

“Complaint for Custody”

or

“Complaint for Child Support”

or

“Complaint for Paternity”

(And just to make things even more complicated, sometimes the word “petition” is used. Such as “Petition for Child Support.”)

While it may be possible you were served incorrectly, do not assume that unless you have had an attorney tell you otherwise.

Assume you were served properly and assume that you are now under a deadline to file a response in the court. This response is often called an “Answer.” And depending on how you were served you could have less than 21 days to file your answer. And if you don’t file an answer could be found to be in “default.” And if you are defaulted, it could have serious negative consequences.

If you have been served any legal papers, consult an attorney immediately.