Serving Divorce Papers
The moment a divorce transitions from an idea or possibility into a reality can be a very trying and sad time in a couple’s lives. What was supposed to be a lifetime of happiness between two people who loved each other has turned into a relationship based on constant bickering and fighting with daily emotional stress. If you decide a divorce is the right choice for you, the first step is to fill out the divorce petition and serve it to your spouse.
A divorce petition or summons outlines the basic information of what is being asked for in the divorce, including how long the served spouse has to respond. Before serving the spouse, the petitioner must file the paperwork with the court in the county the couple resides in.
How to Serve Divorce Papers
The purpose of serving divorce papers to your spouse is to inform him or her that the divorce process has started. You may need a qualified lawyer to serve the petition for you but you can also have the papers served yourself. Some ways to serve divorce papers include:
- Acceptance of service where the paperwork is hand delivered and signed off by the spouse
- First class, certified mail with an acknowledgment form the spouse has to sign, date, and return
- Certified mail with return receipt mailed back to the petitioner
- Delivery by Sheriff or professional process server
- A public announcement in the newspaper
After the papers are served and acknowledged by the court, a divorce lawyer can help you every step of the way.