Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia
How do I know if I'm filing the answer to a complaint for divorce correctly?
I let my husband file the divorce papers, and I'm trying to answer them without a lawyer (I have no means to afford one). How do I know if I'm doing it correctly? Will the answer be rejected or my answer ignored if it's not in a certain format? And what's the difference between a complaint and a petition for divorce?
Thanks!
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: How do I know if I'm filing the answer to a complaint for divorce correctly?
It is a terrible idea to file an answer yourself. There is almost nothing worse you could do. (There is no difference between a complaint and petition for divorce).The failure to properly respond can be damaging, and the failure to also do a proper counterclaim can be disasterous.
Even if you cannot afford to retain a lawyer, for a very small fee, a lawyer can help you draft an answer, counterclaims, and other pleadings. The cheapest way is to write your own, then see a lawyer to rework them for you. Our office can do this if you are interested. Feel free to call us if you want assistance with the paperwork (our number is 404-768-3509).
Re: How do I know if I'm filing the answer to a complaint for divorce correctly?
The filing of an answer to a divorce complaint, aka petition, is your response to allegations presented in your husband's divorce complaint (petition). When answering, you have to make sure that you either agree or not agree with the allegations he made. As Mr. Ashman has indicated, you must be careful when answering a complaint. Remember a divorce is a lawsuit, someone is suing you, in this particular case, suing you for divorce.