What is a summons and petition?

What is a summons and petition?

If you have been served with a summons and a petition, you are the respondent in a court case for divorce or legal separation. When you are served, read the papers you have received carefully. The Petition (Form FL-100 ) tells you what the petitioner (your spouse or domestic partner) is asking for.

How long is a petition for divorce valid?

Divorce papers that have not been filed do not expire (whereas if a marital settlement agreement that has been filed but not ratified will be dismissed by the court for lack of record activity in 1 year). When you say you signed a petition I assume you also mean a marital settlement agreement.

Can I refuse to give my husband a divorce?

Sometimes, a spouse may be so unwilling to get a divorce, they may simply refuse to sign the papers and hope that this stymies your divorce plans. Note, however, that the court will only grant your divorce if it is satisfied that proper arrangements have been made for any children aged under 18 who are involved.