Oak Ridge, TN asked in Divorce for Tennessee

Q: My husband filed for divorce but I dont agree with whats in them. I cant afford a lawyer and I have not signed the

papers yet. If I dont sign what happens? If I need to respond how do I do that with no lawyer? Please help

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: If you don't respond to the lawsuit according to court rules of procedure, a " judgment by default" will be entered against you, so you must prepare and file with the court clerk a written response to the divorce papers. There are many "self-help" legal websites, so do some research to help you learn what your response needs to say and what to expect in court. At the same time, you might also try negotiating with your husband - offer to give up something if he will give you something you want in exchange. There is no rule of law that says you must hire a lawyer, you can represent yourself, but in a divorce case, that is NOT ADVISABLE, you will likely get out maneuvered by his lawyer. The Judge can't be your lawyer for you, so you need to keep shopping/looking for a lawyer, ( maybe some family could help you hire one?)

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