What Happens if Your Spouse Doesn’t Respond to Divorce Papers in Glendale?
When your spouse ignores divorce papers, it can feel like the process has stalled. Fortunately, in Glendale and across Los Angeles County there is a clear path forward: a default divorce. If the other spouse fails to respond within the required time, you can continue and finalize the case without their participation. This article explains how that works, what you must file, and practical tips to avoid common missteps.
How default divorce works in Los Angeles County
After properly serving divorce papers, the other spouse has 30 days to file a response in Los Angeles County. If they do not respond within that window, you may request the court enter a default. A default lets your case proceed absent the other party, but only if you meet certain legal requirements and provide the court with the documents it needs to make a fair judgment.
What the court expects before granting default
- Proof of service showing the spouse was properly served with the paperwork.
- The 30 day response period has passed and no response was filed.
- Complete, accurate financial disclosures from the filing spouse and any required declarations.
- A well prepared judgment package proposing final terms for property, support, and parenting if applicable.
Step-by-step: Finalizing a default divorce
- Confirm the spouse was properly served and the 30 day period has elapsed.
- File a request for entry of default with the court.
- Complete and file all required financial disclosures. These are essential for transparency and fairness.
- Assemble the judgment package with proposed orders for property division, spousal support, child custody and parenting time, and child support calculations when applicable.
- Submit the judgment package to the court for review. Depending on the court and the completeness of your paperwork, a hearing may not be necessary.
- Once the court approves the judgment, the divorce can be finalized despite the other party’s non participation.
What to include in the judgment package
Your judgment package should be clear, complete, and well documented. Typical contents include:
- Proposed judgment or decree spelling out division of assets and debts
- Proposed orders for spousal support if requested
- Parenting plan and child support calculation when children are involved
- Declaration of disclosure or proof that financial disclosures were served
- All necessary local forms required by the court
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Default divorces are efficient when done correctly, but small mistakes can delay or derail the process. Watch for these issues:
- Incomplete financial disclosures. Always provide full asset and debt information. Missing details invite court scrutiny and possible rejection.
- Poorly drafted judgment terms. Vague language about property division or custody can lead to enforcement problems later.
- Incorrect or missing proof of service. If the court is not satisfied that the other party was properly served, the default may be set aside.
- Failure to follow local rules. Each county has specific filing procedures and form requirements. Confirm the local court rules before submitting.
Real example: A Glendale default divorce handled remotely
I recently handled a Glendale case where the spouse never responded. After the 30 day period, we filed for default and submitted a complete judgment package electronically. The court approved the divorce without a hearing and without any involvement from the non responding spouse. The key was accurate documentation and adherence to local filing requirements. The result was a smooth, timely finalization and peace of mind for the client.
Why working with an experienced service helps
Default divorces require attention to procedural detail and precise paperwork. Working with a service experienced in default cases can save time and reduce stress. Benefits to consider:
- Flat fee pricing so you know the cost upfront
- Remote filing and electronic submission when supported by the court
- Document review to avoid omissions that cause delays
- Guidance on local court rules and necessary forms
Your peace of mind is our priority.
Next steps if your spouse is ignoring the papers
If your spouse has not responded, start by confirming the service and counting the 30 day window. Gather your financial records and begin preparing the disclosures and a proposed judgment. If you prefer help, consider scheduling a consultation with a default divorce specialist who can prepare and submit the required documents and handle the case remotely.
For assistance finishing a Glendale default divorce, visit divorce661.com to schedule a free consultation and review your options.
