What happens when one spouse refuses to sign divorce papers?

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What Happens If One Spouse Refuses to Sign
Divorce Papers
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• When one spouse refuses to sign divorce papers or
  fails to respond to a request for divorce, the
  entire process becomes challenging.
• A judge will make a determination depending on
  where you live.
• In some states, the divorce can proceed
  uncontested. In other states, a judge may grant
  the spouse who is asking for the divorce a
  default divorce.
• Here is a brief description of what an
  uncontested divorce and default divorce would be
  like

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Uncontested Divorce

• It is one of the easiest and simplest types of
  divorces.
• All divorce-related issues, such as spousal
  support, child custody and support, and the
  division of property and debts are agreed upon by
  both spouses.

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• If both spouses have reached an agreement, a
  judge will review the agreement, issue orders and
  grant a divorce.
• If one spouse served the divorce petition on
  behalf of the other, and he or she filed an
  uncontested response, the case may proceed
  uncontested.
• If the other spouse fails to appear on their
  court date, the case may be treated as
  uncontested.

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A Default Divorce

• If one of the spouses served divorce papers and
  the other failed to file a written response on
  time, the petitioning spouse may file a request
  to enter a default divorce.
• A default divorce is usually granted when one
  spouse has been served but fails to respond
  within 30 days.
• It may also be granted when a spouse cannot be
  located for service.

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• A court will set a hearing date and ask the
  petitioning spouse to appear.
• At the hearing, a ruling will be made based
  entirely on what is stated in the divorce
  petition.
• The spouse who fails to respond or appear gives
  up the right to have any say in the divorce
  proceedings or court judgment.

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• If you need assistance with your divorce, let our
  divorce lawyers help.
• We are knowledgeable, determined and
  compassionate and will take the time to explain
  your legal rights in terms you can understand.

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• Contact Us
• Harold, Salant, Strassfield Spielberg
• 81 Main Street, Suite 205White Plains, New York
  10601
• Phone [phone]
• Email gsalant_at_haroldsalant.com
• Website www.familycourtlawyers.com