When your spouse files a divorce petition and serves you the papers, you do need to respond. If you don’t, they can get a default divorce without you, but responding keeps you involved in this legal process. You will be notified of court hearings where issues like child custody and child support will be determined, for example.
But how quickly do you need to respond to this petition? Some states just have a set limit, such as giving everyone 30 days to respond. But Washington uses a unique system where the amount of time depends on where and how you were served.
20 days
First of all, your spouse may have served you the papers in person. If this happened while you were still in Washington state, then you have 20 days to respond. Maybe your spouse just handed you the papers at your home. Most divorce cases fall into this category.
60 days
If you were served by publication, meaning your spouse published their intent to get divorced, then you have 60 days to respond. This is also true if you were served in person but you weren’t actually in Washington state at the time. Maybe you were traveling to another state or another country for work, or maybe you and your spouse have been separated.
90 days
Finally, your spouse may decide to mail you the papers. Maybe you are in the midst of an extensive separation or you’ve been living apart indefinitely. If they mail you the petition, then you have 90 days.
Responding to the divorce petition is just one of the first steps to take. Once the divorce gets underway, be sure you know about all of your legal options.
