What to Do When Blindsided by Divorce Papers

Next – it is vital that you respond with a written response and counterclaim no later than 20 days from the date you received the divorce papers. To do this, your response should be sent to the court and your spouse's attorney. You could also send a copy to your spouse but it is usually better to send/fax it their attorney. The reason it's important that you ensure that this document was received, if the court were not to get it – simply stated, a default judgment would be filed against you.

You can visit the Wisconsin Court System website^[1] to find more answers and form that will assist you with the beginning stages of the divorce process.

That should help you respond to a divorce. But make sure that you act in a timely fashion. Be organized and keep copies of all of your paperwork. But also consider finding and hiring a divorce attorney you trust. You don't want to go through the divorce process alone. It can be difficult enough going through the emotional stress on your own but the added stress your ex's family could add on top of that if they tried to get involved could make it even worse . If you're uneducated on certain aspects involving child or spousal support, or asset division – could result in you not getting treated fairly or keeping your fair share.

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