I’ve Been Served With Divorce Papers – Now What?

Many divorces are started in January.  If you have just been served with divorce papers (in New York called either a “Summons With Notice” or a “Summons” and a “Complaint”), then this is what you need to know.

First, the “Summons With Notice” or a “Summons” combined with a “Complaint” is the formal and legal way of informing you that your spouse wants a divorce. Those documents will also state (or should state) what your spouse is seeking (e.g., child support, spousal maintenance).  However, these requests (which in legal terms are called a “demand”) will be very general in nature.  For example, if there are children involved, it will probably state something like this: “Awarding Plaintiff custody of the children”.

Second, the “Clock is ticking”, this means that in New York, you typically have twenty (20) days to formally respond to the Summons. What you should do is immediately search for a divorce attorney.  You do not want to wait until your time runs out. Once, you have determined which attorney you want to hire, your attorney will respond to the Summons.

Third, although your attorney will respond to the Summons, you will stay have some work to do.  Your attorney will guide you through the process, but you will need to obtain financial documents and provide your attorney with the facts and documents of your case.

Fourth, if you feel overwhelmed, seek out professional mental health.  Although, receiving the divorce papers may be a shock, most likely you knew that your marriage was failing.  However, if you are feeling overwhelmed, sad or depressed, it is important to speak to a mental health professional.

When served with divorce papers, the important thing to remember is not to panic.  Your divorce attorney will help you through the legal process.

David Badanes, Esq. and the Badanes Law Office, P.C. know that receiving divorce papers can be disconcerting.  David Badanes has the experience to help you through the process and to make sure that you are protected.  Contact David Badanes today at 631-239-1702 or email at david@dbnylaw.com to schedule a free consultation. The Badanes Law Office has offices in Northport and Uniondale.

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You Have Been Served!!! What To Do Now?

If you have been served with divorce papers, here is what you need to do:

1. Don’t panic. Most likely, you know that your marriage has been failing. Although, you might be in shock that your spouse actually filed for divorce, there is no reason to panic. If you are going to handle your divorce, then you must stay level-headed.

2. Technically, you only have 20 days to respond to the divorce papers. However, if for some reason, you need more time, you most likely can get an extension of that time. Although, it is not a good idea to be “late”, you may be able to explain, to the Court, why your response is late. If you do not respond at all, then you will be facing serious consequences. The bottom line, hire an attorney as soon as possible, but, don’t rush into it.

3. Find an attorney that specializes in divorces and that you are comfortable with. You will need an attorney to represent you. However, do not rush into hiring any attorney, you should hire a divorce attorney that you are comfortable with. You should also retain an attorney who specializes in divorce cases.

4. You will need to obtain financial documents, for example: tax returns, bank statements, retirement statements, mortgage statements etc.

If you have been served with divorce papers, you need to hire an attorney that will personally handle your divorce, a lawyer that you can trust, knows the law, and represent you zealously.
David Badanes, Esq. and the Badanes Law Office, P.C. can help you and will answer all your questions about the divorce process. Contact David Badanes, Esq. at 631-239-1702 or email at david@dbnylaw.com.

The Badanes Law Office, P.C. has offices in Northport, Suffolk County and in Uniondale, Nassau County.

Please like us on Facebook to get important legal news, tips and articles: https://www.facebook.com/BadanesLawOffice.

You Have Been Served With Divorce Papers, What to Do Now?

If you have been served with divorce papers, here are things you need to do:

  1. Don’t panic. Most likely, you know that your marriage has been failing.  Although, you might be in shock that your spouse actually filed for divorce, there is no reason to panic. If you are going to handle your divorce, then you must stay level-headed. 
  2. Technically, you only have 20 days to respond to the divorce papers. However, if for some reason, you need more time, you most likely can get an extension of that time. Even if you do not respond in 20 days, you most likely can still respond without any major repercussions. However, if you do not respond at all, then you will be facing serious consequences. The bottom line, hire an attorney as soon as possible, but, don’t rush into it.
  3. Find an attorney that specializes in divorces and that you are comfortable with. You will need an attorney to represent you. However, do not rush into hiring any attorney, you should hire an attorney that you are comfortable with. 
  4. You will need to obtain financial documents, for example: tax returns, bank statements, retirement statements, mortgage statements etc. 

If you have been served with divorce papers, you need to hire an attorney that will personally handle your divorce, that you can trust, knows the law, and represent you zealously.

David Badanes, Esq. and the Badanes Law Office, P.C. can help you and will answer all your questions about the divorce process in New York. David Badanes and the Badanes Law Office, P.C. can be contacted at 631-239-1702 or email at david@dbnylaw.com. The Badanes Law Office, P.C. has offices in Northport, Suffolk County and in Uniondale, Nassau County.

Please like us on Facebook to get important legal news, tips and articles: www.facebook.com/BadanesLawOffice