It can be incredibly overwhelming to wake up one morning and find that your wife has filed for divorce. Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence, and it can have a significant impact on your life if you don’t act fast.
At Allen Fischer PLLC, our goal is to provide our Washington clients with the most thorough and compassionate legal representation during divorce proceedings. Keep reading to find out if it matters who files for divorce first and what you need to do next.
Does It Matter Who Files For Divorce First?
The good news if your wife has filed for divorce is that it does not matter that much who made the first move. Judges and commissioners ignore who is named the petitioner and do not take this into consideration when making decisions. In some instances, being the respondent may actually indicate that you are trying harder to make the marriage work.
The only time the petitioner really matters is if you have made a claim about an emergency, such as if there is abuse in the relationship.
Benefits of Being the Petitioner
Although it does not technically matter who files for divorce first in the court size, it does come with some benefits. One benefit is that the petitioner applies at trial and gets to make a closing argument first.
The other obvious benefit of being the petitioner is that you aren’t caught off guard. If you wake up one day and your wife has filed for divorce, this may or may not catch you off guard, leaving you to figure out what the next step is. Being the first to act ensures that you already have a plan set up and know how to move forward.
What Should I Do After My Wife Files For Divorce?
When you are notified that your wife has filed for divorce, you will be served a summons, which has a deadline. You will have to file a response to the petition by this deadline to preserve your rights.
If possible, the first step you should take is to hire a divorce attorney who can help you sort through the legal process. They can help you prepare a response by the deadline that is thorough and in your best interest.
Catching up on the divorce process and keeping a clear head is vital if you want a positive outcome. Your response to the petition will often involve your children and marital assets, which is very important in divorce proceedings.
Hire Allen Fischer PLLC to Handle Your Divorce Case
Being hit with a divorce is an overwhelming process that can leave you not knowing where to turn. That is why you need to hire an experienced family law attorney who can represent you and guide you through the entire process. At Allen Fischer PLLC, we have handled hundreds of divorce cases and are dedicated to getting our clients the best possible outcome. To partner with our team of committed and seasoned professionals, contact us today at Allen Fischer PLLC at (509)-466-7770.
