If you have decided to end your marriage, it is imperative that you fully understand your legal rights and responsibilities during the process. An important part of the process is the documentation required of you. To learn more about what a divorce complaint is and its importance during your case, read on and consult with a Dallas County divorce lawyer today.
What is a Divorce Complaint in IA?
Many states use the term divorce complaint or Complaint for Divorce to describe the first document that is filed when a spouse wants to end their marriage. In Iowa, this document is referred to as the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is one of the most important documents in a divorce as it is the first step that initiates the case and proceedings. The document is designed to give the court context to the marriage and divorce, and provide the other spouse with the opportunity to respond.
Form 101 is the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with no Minor or Dependent Adult Children, and Form 201 is the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Children. If you are attempting to initiate the termination of your marriage, you must select the one that aligns with your situation and fill it out in its entirety.
What Information is Required on the Divorce Complaint?
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage contains a variety of information unique to your situation. The purpose of the document is to provide the court with important information that helps your case proceed with ease. Some topics covered in the petition include the following.
- Your full name, address, and contact information
- Your spouse’s full name, address, and contact information
- The date and location of the marriage
- Information about shared children
- The grounds for the divorce
- Requests for the court regarding property and debt division, alimony, child custody, child support, and other relevant issues
This information is important to ensure that the court has all relevant information and that your spouse is informed of your intent to end the marriage.
How Long Does My Spouse Have to Respond?
As the filing spouse, you are known as the Petitioner, while your spouse will be called the Respondent. The Petitioner must file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage along with a $265 fee to initiate the divorce process.
You are required to serve your spouse with the complaint and summons. In Iowa, once the Respondent has been served, they have 20 calendar days to file an answer or official response. They can generally accept the terms outlined in the Petition or contest one or more issues.
To learn more about the divorce complaint and how to initiate proceedings, reach out to an experienced attorney at Iowa Defenders, PLLC today.
