What is the procedure for getting a dissolution of marriage?
A typical dissolution of marriage must involve some of the following steps, and certain contested cases may also involve additional steps: The Dissolution Petition must first be filed with the court. That person is called the “petitioner.” The petitioner then “serves” the Petition and accompanying papers on the “respondent.” The respondent then has thirty days to file a “response.” However, if the respondent is in total agreement with the facts stated in the Petition, the dissolution can proceed as an uncontested matter “by default;” meaning without the need to file a response. One of the parties to the dissolution may request temporary court orders by filing for an “Order to Show Cause,” which means there will be a court hearing to either grant or deny any particular request being made. At this hearing, the judge can make certain temporary orders, for example, child custody orders, child and/or spousal support orders, or restraining orders, to name a few. If the case is contested (the
