What Happens if Your Spouse Doesn’t Respond to Divorce Papers in Alameda?
I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. If you filed for divorce in Alameda County and your spouse didn’t respond, this post explains exactly what happens next and how you can move forward — even if your spouse remains silent.
Did you know that your spouse’s silence doesn’t stop a divorce?
Quick overview: Silence doesn’t stop the process
Once your spouse has been properly served (or signs the Notice of Acknowledgment of Receipt), they have 30 days to file a response. If that 30-day window passes with no response, you don’t have to wait forever — you can proceed with a default divorce.
What “default” means and when to use it
A default divorce is the path the court takes when one party fails to participate. You ask the court to enter default against the non-responding spouse and then ask the court to finalize the divorce based on the paperwork you provide. The non-responding spouse does not need to be present for you to obtain a judgment.
Key documents you must file to enter default
- Request to Enter Default — This formally tells the court the other party didn’t respond.
- Financial disclosures — Courts require accurate financial information to divide assets, address support, and enter a judgment.
- Proposed Judgment — The document that outlines the orders you want the court to make (property division, support, etc.).
Why accuracy matters — avoid rejected filings and delays
Accuracy and completeness are critical. If your Request to Enter Default or proposed judgment contains errors or is missing required items, the court can reject the submission. Rejections mean delays — sometimes months of waiting while you correct and re-file.
Double-check every form and attachment before filing. Missing or incorrect submissions are a common reason cases stall even when the other spouse has not responded.
A real client example
We had a client who waited months thinking their divorce was being processed. In reality, nothing was happening because no one filed for default. When we stepped in, we prepared the correct paperwork, filed the Request to Enter Default with complete disclosures and a proposed judgment, and the case was finalized within weeks.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Failing to file the Request to Enter Default after the 30-day period.
- Submitting incomplete or inconsistent financial disclosures.
- Using a proposed judgment that conflicts with other filings or lacks necessary details.
- Missing attachments (e.g., proof of service, income documentation).
How Divorce661 helps
At Divorce661 we specialize in default divorce cases in Alameda County. We handle the paperwork, ensure accuracy, and file everything the court needs so your case keeps moving forward. Our services are:
- 100% remote — handle everything without visiting the courthouse
- Flat-fee — no surprise hourly bills
- Focused on finalizing your divorce even if your spouse doesn’t respond
Next steps if your spouse didn’t respond
- Confirm the 30-day period has passed since service or the signed acknowledgment.
- Prepare and file a Request to Enter Default with the court.
- Complete and attach required financial disclosures.
- Draft a clear proposed judgment reflecting the orders you seek.
- Review everything for accuracy to avoid rejection and delay.
Ready to finalize your divorce?
If your spouse didn’t respond and you want the divorce finalized, we can help prepare and file the necessary documents so your case moves forward. Schedule a free consultation at divorce661.com and let us handle the complexities for you.
If you’ve been stuck waiting, don’t keep waiting — there’s a path forward.
