If you start a petition for a dissolution (meaning you file for divorce), your spouse has 30 days in which to file a response. The same is true for paternity cases, where the parents of a child are not married, but where visitation, custody and support issues must be dealt with—the respondent has 30 to respond.

If the respondent fails to file a response within the 30 days, you can file a request for entry of default with the court. Entry of default is important because it acts as a huge roadblock for the respondent. A respondent against whom default has been entered loses the right to respond to the petitioner’s requests for orders. Instead, the respondent must first convince the court to set aside the default.

If you have filed for divorce and the respondent has not answered, you should consult with a knowledgeable family law lawyer to help you close off the respondent’s opportunity to be heard by getting default entered. An experienced Riverside County family law lawyer will be able to help you proceed with this step and quickly and smoothly as possible. This step can be an important one to help you win your case as soon as possible.

Wallin & Klarich has more than 30 years of experience in family law. Our attorneys know from long experience what works in a divorce case, and are prepared to fight to get you the best possible outcome. With 16 attorneys in 33 offices throughout Southern California, we can be there when you need us — wherever you are. If you’re thinking of hiring an attorney for a mediated divorce, call us today at 1-888-749-7428 for a consultation, or fill out the online case evaluation form to the right.