If you’re involved in any sort of legal case, one of the jobs that your lawyer may have is to keep track of important deadlines. Many people who are going through the legal system for the first time do not know what the deadlines are or what is required. The lawyer helps them navigate the system so that they can avoid any serious issues.
If a lawyer makes a mistake and misses a deadline, it could have a significant impact on the outcome of that case. Let’s take a look at one way that could happen in a divorce case.
Responding to the divorce petition
If your spouse files for divorce in California, they will give you a divorce petition. This paperwork explains their intention to divorce, and you have to legally respond to it. Under current laws, you have 30 days to do so.
If you do not respond in time, then the court has options to move forward with the divorce, even without you. This is known as a default divorce. In fact, the court may give more preference to your ex’s wishes regarding property division or child custody if they make a default ruling.
Therefore, it’s very important for your lawyer to actually know the correct deadline. Even if they miss it by a single day, the divorce could start without you and you may find that you don’t get to keep the assets you expected or you don’t get as much time as you wanted with your children. Your lawyer’s mistake has entirely changed the outcome – and your future.
What options do you have?
If you find yourself in this position, it is very frustrating, but there are legal options. Just be sure you know what steps to take to best protect your legal interests and your future.