Legal Question in Family Law in California

Why divorce petition was never finalized

I filed a petition for divorce in 1988 in California and papers were served to the respondent who resided in California, and still does. He swore that he signed them and personally filed them at the courthouse in 1988. Family Law Records tell me that there was never a final judgement. I do know now, that the Proof of Service affidavit was never returned and filed with courthouse. Could this be the reason why it was never finalized? It was an uncontested divorce and should have been very simple, I thought. Where do I go from here? I have lived in Kentucky for over 2 years now and am planning to finally remarrry . After numerous attempts with the Superior Court and Family Law Records, to find out why this never became final, they tell me that they can not offer any legal advice, I am not asking for advice, only an explanation as to what happened. Please help me.


Asked on 1/27/00, 9:59 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Gray Barber & Gray, LLP

Re: Why divorce petition was never finalized

Courts don't do any of the work for you. You must properly file and serve each and every required document to get a divorce. Obviously, there were necessary documents which were not filed in your case.

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Answered on 1/31/00, 5:53 pm


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