What happens if I did not respond to the divorce papers? 7 Answers as of October 11, 2011

Wake up. Read the divorce papers. Determine what is being requested of the Court by your spouse. Only if you agree that the Court can grant all of the requested relief should you consider doing nothing and defaulting - and that could be dangerous, because a default will prevent you from participating in the divorce - your voice can't be heard, and you won't be allowed to file papers if you don't file a Response to the Petition. If your default has been entered, you should promptly schedule a meeting with an experienced Family Law Attorney to determine what, if anything, can be done to seek to set aside the default. If your default has not been entered, you should promptly prepare, file and serve a Response to the Petition (the service will have to be done by somebody other than you over the age of 18). If the other party is doing nothing to move the case forward, you can move it forward after you timely file and serve your Response.

If you do not respond, your spouse can default you and can be awarded all relieve that they are requesting. If you wish to move things forward then you should file a response if the default has not been entered.

Respond now. Your ex would have to affirmatively take action in order to cut off your right to respond. It doesn't sound like that has happened, so you should file responsive paperwork immediately.

If a default has not been entered against you and you want the case to settle, you will need to file a response and move the case forward on your end.

You need to file a response to the petition, otherwise the petitioner can take your default and get orders on property and support without your involvement.

If you do not respond, the "petitioner" can take your default and get final orders without your input. Meaning, you could lose your rights to property, support, custody, etc. (any issue that is applicable to your case). If you want to respond, then you should first check to see if your default has already been taken. If not, you should file a Response ASAP. If your default has been taken, but the case has not been finalized (no final judgment has been entered), then you can request to set aside the default. Best to consult with a local family law lawyer.