Q: I'm in Oklahoma. My wife just filed for divorce and I would like to know if she can serve me with divorce papers?
She gave me papers about a Temporary Order and a court date hearing. At this point, I'm unable to afford representation in my behalf. How do I respond to the papers handed to me? Do I go to the court hearing date? What is the procedure and process to that?
A:
Personally, no. Her handing you the paperwork does not constitute formal service of process. It’s a rare courtesy.
Take the papers she gave you to a competent attorney with family law experience in or near the county where the divorce proceedings are filed well before the date of the temporary order hearing.
When scheduling your appointment with the attorney, specifically advise the office personnel scheduling your appointment of the date and time of the hearing to avoid any scheduling conflicts.
Don’t wait to be formally served. Take advantage of the additional time your wife’s courtesy is providing.
Charles Watts agrees with this answer
2 users found this answer helpful
A:
Unless you waive formal service, her handing you the documents is not proper service. With that said, now that you know she has filed take the documents she gave you to an experienced family law attorney so that they can prepare a response and begin preparing your case for hearing.
Best of luck!
Charles Watts agrees with this answer
1 user found this answer helpful
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