What happens if a spouse refuses to be served divorce papers?

Asked by: Berniece Harber Sr.  |  Last update: October 5, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (18 votes)

In New York State, the divorce summons must be served personally on the defendant. If he is evading service, then a motion for alternative service may be filed with the court requesting alternative service , via nail and mail. Submit an affidavit of attempted in support of the motion.

What happens if someone refuses to be served divorce papers?

If due diligence fails and the spouse successfully avoids the attempts to serve the papers, the process moves into a default divorce process.

Can you divorce without serving?

A: In California, it is possible to file for divorce even if you cannot locate your spouse to serve them with the divorce papers. The law requires you to make a diligent effort to find your spouse.

How long does a divorce take if one party doesn't agree?

According to a 2019 survey conducted by Martindale-Nolo Research, contested divorces take at least 18 months to finalize in California.

What happens if you don't follow a divorce agreement?

When your ex does not comply with your divorce decree, the judge may then impose fines, jail time or other penalties to encourage compliance in a contempt of court in divorce case.

What if my spouse doesn't answer the divorce papers in 20 days?

23 related questions found

What happens if one person never signs divorce papers?

What Is the Effect of Refusing to Sign Divorce Papers? As was previously stated, divorce proceedings in California are no-fault. It simply implies that a divorce will be granted by default in California if the necessary divorce papers are not signed within 30 days.

What not to say in divorce court?

In divorce court, it's crucial to speak respectfully to everyone, including the judge, court personnel, and your ex-spouse. Avoid using derogatory or insulting language, as it can reflect poorly on your character. Instead, remain calm while addressing the court and use professional language.

What happens if the other party doesn t show up for divorce court?

The judge might also choose to continue with the divorce proceedings in the absence of the spouses. If this happens, the court's decisions are final, such as those pertaining to child support, spousal support, and property division.

What happens if only one side wants a divorce?

A claim of “irreconcilable differences” by either party is enough for a court to agree to end the marriage. In short, if one person wants out of a marriage, he is legally able to do so, whether the other person agrees or not.

Can I divorce my husband even if he doesn't agree?

The end of a marriage can be extremely difficult, and it can be made even worse if your partner doesn't want a divorce. However, the good news is that you can still apply for a divorce even if your partner doesn't agree with you thanks to the no-fault divorce law.

How to prove you were not served properly?

Surveillance: You can provide surveillance footage showing you were not served at the alleged date or that the service was improper. Mail Records: If there's no mail delivered to you or if you haven't signed the receipt. It can indicate improper service.

Do I need a divorce lawyer if we agree on everything?

Divorcing Spouses Should Still Hire Divorce Lawyers Even if They Seem to Agree. In addition to being emotionally painful, divorcing your spouse is a legally complex process. Issues such as property division, alimony, and child support involve several legal and factual determinations.

Can my spouse file for divorce after I have already filed?

Two simultaneous divorce cases are often started on accident. The couple may no longer be speaking to each other, or may be unaware that the other had already filed a divorce petition. If two cases are started at once, one party will need to withdraw his or her petition.

Can I get a divorce without my spouse knowing?

If you need to divorce your spouse but don't know where they are, you may feel frustrated and hopeless. However, you can still divorce your spouse in California, even if they don't respond to the divorce notice.

Why do divorce papers have to be served?

The goal is to make sure your spouse knows that you've filed for divorce and has a chance to respond to any claims or requests you made in your divorce petition (sometimes called a "complaint").

What happens if one spouse doesn't want a divorce?

If your spouse won't engage in your divorce, then your only option for ending your marriage will have to be to go to court. Mediation will be a waste of time because your spouse won't participate. Collaborative divorce won't work. You will have to litigate your divorce.

Can a divorce be finalized without custody?

If each partner has already agreed on an acceptable child custody arrangement, then the judge may allow the divorce to be completed before the child custody has been legally filed.

What happens if you disagree with divorce?

If you and your spouse can't agree on the terms of your divorce you will end up having your future decided by a family court judge. The best way to avoid this scenario depends on you and your ex-partner's perspectives and objectives.

Can a judge refuse to grant a divorce?

A judge can deny a divorce and force marriage counseling in certain circumstances. In most states, a divorce can be granted by a court if the marriage is irretrievably broken. However, some states allow judges to deny a divorce and require couples to attend marriage counseling instead.

What makes a divorce decree invalid?

A divorce decree could be invalid if a judge's decisions were based on incorrect information or if the judge made errors affecting the outcome. If one party concealed assets or debts from the other, that could be grounds for appeal or modification.

What happens if one party wants divorce and other doesn t?

Oftentimes the court will grant permission to publish a summons, asking your spouse to come forward and respond. The summons must run for 28 days, and your spouse has 30 days from the final publication date to respond. If they do not, you can request a divorce by default.

How long can a spouse drag out a divorce in California?

As we mentioned, there isn't a specific limit on how long a divorce case may last in California, but there are ways to continue with the divorce proceedings. Beyond the six-month waiting period, your spouse may try to drag out your case even longer.

What should you not text during a divorce?

Avoid using potentially inflammatory language when texting during divorce. name-calling, insults, and other negative language are unnecessary when texting and only render the marriage dissolution process more challenging.

What should you never say to a judge?

Here are five things all defendants will want to avoid saying to a criminal judge:
  • 'I Did It. ' ...
  • 'They Didn't Tell Me...' ...
  • Expletives. ...
  • Lies, Lies, Lies. ...
  • 'I Will Represent Myself.

How do you silently prepare for a divorce?

How Do I Prepare for a Divorce Without My Spouse Finding Out?
  1. 7 Strategic Steps to Prepare. ...
  2. Assess Your Situation. ...
  3. Gather Important Documents. ...
  4. Establish Personal Privacy. ...
  5. Create a Financial Plan. ...
  6. Seek Professional Assistance. ...
  7. Develop a Support Network. ...
  8. Prepare for the Legal Process.