In Missouri, how do you file a late response to a dissolution of marriage petition?
In Missouri, how do you file a late response to a dissolution of marriage petition?
If you were served with the divorce petition, you have thirty days to file your answer. If you have not yet been served, and you didn't sign an entry of appearance for the case, then you are not actually late and you can wait to be served or (if you prefer) file your answer before being served.
If you were served or signed an entry of appearance, and more than thirty days have since passed, then the other party can seek to have you defaulted for nonappearance. If the other party has not sought a default, you can still file your answer before that happens. If a default has been entered, you may be able to file a response to the petition by leave of the divorce court, or may file a petition to set aside the default -- and it would be sensible to work with a divorce lawyer.