Before you start
Your spouse or domestic partner can ask for a default if you don't file your Response within 30 days of being served the Petition. If it's been more than 30 days, check with the court to see if your spouse got a default. If there isn’t a default, you can still file a Response.
How to file forms with the court
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Take your forms to the court clerk
Take your forms to the court address you listed on the caption of your Response.
At the courthouse, you’ll file the forms by giving the original and the 2 copies to the clerk.
The court will keep the original and return the copies to you. One is for you, the other for your spouse.
Yes, you can file by mail. Mail the original and 2 copies to the clerk. You need to include the filing fee and a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the clerk can mail your copies back to you. If you do not include a self-addressed stamped envelope with the correct amount of postage you will have to go to the courthouse to pick up your copies.
Some courts allow online filing (called e-filing). You can find out if your court has online filing by visiting your court’s website. -
Pay a filing fee
You’ll need to pay a fee ($435-$450) to the clerk when you file your forms.
If you can’t afford the fee, you can ask the clerk for a fee waiver. You qualify for a fee waiver if:
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You receive public benefits
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Your income is less than a set amount
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You can’t afford the fee and meet your basic needs
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Respond to divorce papers
What's next?
Once you filed the form, the next step is to share it with your spouse or domestic partner by serving papers. If you’ve already served the papers, then you’re ready to go to the next part of the divorce process: Sharing financial information.