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Answer to Complaint

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DECREE OF DIVORCE (NO MINOR CHILDREN)

STATE OF WYOMING IN THE DISTRICT COURT

COUNTY OF JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Plaintiff: Civil Action Case No.

(Print name of person filing)

vs.

Defendant:

DECREE OF DIVORCE

NOTE: ALL APPLICABLE BOXES MUST BE CHECKED OR THE JUDGE WILL NOT SIGN YOUR DECREE.

This matter came before the Court by:

Default (and Entry of Default has been issued); OR

Agreement of the parties (both parties have signed this Decree); OR

Trial

1. The Plaintiff lived in Wyoming for more than sixty (60) days immediately prior to the filing of the Complaint for Divorce.

2. The Defendant was served:

Personally (by the sheriff) on ; OR

Defendant accepted service (Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Service must be filed); OR

By publication (Copy of Affidavit of Publication must be filed); OR

By Registered or Certified Mail (Return receipt must be filed and Clerk must have entered certificate of service.)

3. At least twenty (20) days have passed since the Complaint for Divorce was filed

4. Defendant filed

an Answer

an Answer and Counterclaim

no response (default must be entered, unless there is a waiver of right to answer)

no response but both parties have signed and agreed to the entry of this Decree of Divorce

5. The parties were married to each other on the day of , in .

6. The parties have irreconcilable differences constituting grounds for divorce.

7. The parties have no natural or adoptive minor children.

8. To the best of the parties’ knowledge,

Wife is not pregnant, OR

Wife is pregnant (If pregnant, consult an attorney. Your divorce may not be able to be final until after the baby is born) and

The baby is due on or about , (and, check one space below):

The Plaintiff and Defendant are the biological parents of the child, OR

Plaintiff is not the biological parent of the child, OR

Defendant is not the biological parent of the child.

9. The parties

acquired property and debts during the marriage and the division set forth below in this Decree is just and equitable; OR

did not acquire any property or debts during the marriage.

10. The Court should order that

No party is entitled to alimony/spousal support; OR

The Wife shall pay to the Husband reasonable alimony; OR

The Husband shall pay to the Wife reasonable alimony.

11. The Wife

does not desire to have her former name restored; OR

her former name restored to:

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED:

1. That Plaintiff or Defendant is awarded a Decree of Divorce and that the bonds of matrimony existing between the parties are dissolved.

2. DIVISION OF PROPERTY:

The parties’ property shall be equitably divided as follows:

Wife’s Property:

2.A.1. The Wife shall have as her sole and separate property, free and clear of any and all claims thereto by the Husband, but subject to any indebtedness thereon, the following:

All personal property held in her name or in her possession, except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Decree.

All bank accounts, investment accounts and retirement accounts held in her sole name, if any, except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Decree.

The following motor vehicle(s) (list year, make, model and VIN):

Husband has

does not have a retirement account.

Account Number and Plan Administrator:

shall not be divided with Wife; OR

shall be divided as follows:

50% of the amount accumulated from to to each party; OR

$ to Wife; OR

Other described as follows:

For more than one account, attach additional sheets of paper with the above information. To divide certain qualified retirement accounts, you may need a QRDO (see above).

Husband’s Property:

2.A.2. The Husband shall have as his sole and separate property, free and clear of any and all claims thereto by the Wife, but subject to any indebtedness thereon, the following:

All personal property held in his name or in his possession, except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Decree.

All bank accounts, investment accounts and retirement accounts held in his sole name, if any, except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Decree.

The following motor vehicle(s) (list year, make, model and VIN):

Wife has

does not have a retirement account.

Account Number and Plan Administrator:

shall not be divided with Husband; OR

shall be divided as follows:

50% of the amount accumulated from to to each party; OR

$ to Husband; OR

Other described as follows:

For more than one account, attach additional sheets of paper with the above information. To divide certain qualified retirement accounts, you may need a QRDO (see above).

Other Property:

2.A.3.

The parties have no other property which requires division; OR

The parties have the following property, which shall be awarded as follows:

List all possessions valued at $100.00 or more. For any bank accounts, identify by using the last 4 digits of the account number.

Real Property:

2.A.4.

The parties do not own any real property (i.e. house or land); OR

The real property shall be divided as follows:

Option 1: Wife or Husband shall occupy the real property until sold.

The property shall be listed with a real estate agency for sale no later than . Upon the sale, the net equity or loss from the sale shall be divided as follows:

% to Wife

% to Husband

Until the property is sold, the mortgage (including taxes and insurance) shall be paid by Wife or Husband and the utilities shall be paid by Wife or Husband; OR

Other: ; OR

Option 2: Wife or Husband shall own the real property. The party receiving the real property shall pay to the other the sum of $ for his/her share of equity in the property. If applicable, the party receiving the property shall use his/her best efforts to refinance the debt on the property and remove the other party’s name from any liability for the debt no later than .

If a joint debt encumbering the real property is not refinanced no later than , the property shall be listed with a real estate agent and sold for no less than the appraised value; OR

Option 3: Other:

3. DIVISION OF DEBTS:

NOTICE: This decree does not necessarily affect the ability of a creditor to proceed against a party or a party’s property, even though the party is not responsible under the terms of the decree for an account, any debt associated with an account or any debt.

Each party shall pay the debts they have accumulated since the parties’ separation. The parties shall pay the following debts acquired prior to the separation:

Additional sheets of paper are attached if needed

Other – If the debt will be paid by both parties other than 50/50, please list how much each party will pay for each debt on a separate sheet of paper and attach it.

4. AFTER DISCOVERED DEBTS OR LIABILITIES:

If any debts or liabilities not listed herein exist or become known after entry of this Decree, the person in possession of the merchandise purchased, or for whose benefit the services were rendered, shall be responsible for the debt.

5. TITLE TRANSFER:

Parties shall sign all documents necessary to complete all transfer of title ordered in this Decree, such as motor vehicles, houses, and bank accounts. Otherwise, this Decree can be used as a transfer of title and can be recorded.

6. SPOUSAL SUPPORT/ALIMONY:

No party is entitled to spousal support/alimony; OR

Wife OR Husband is ordered to pay the other spouse the sum of $ per month spousal support/alimony BEGINNING THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH beginning , 20 , and continuing to be paid on the same day each month until the receiving party is:

remarried; OR

deceased; OR

until .

If no terminating event is specified above, spousal support/alimony payments shall end if the receiving party is remarried or deceased. Payments made shall be included in receiving spouse’s taxable income and are tax deductible from the paying spouse’s income as required by law.

7. FILING INCOME TAX:

[If Decree entered between January 1st and April 15th]

Joint federal and state income tax returns and hold the other harmless (meaning other party won’t be responsible) from half of all additional income taxes, if any, and other costs, and each will share equally in any refunds; OR

Separate federal and state income tax returns; OR

Other, explain:

For this calendar year and continuing thereafter, each party will file separate federal and state income tax returns.

8. RESTORATION OF NAME:

(This is wife’s sole decision).

The wife’s former name is restored to:

The wife does not desire to have her name changed.

9. DEFAULT:

In the event that either party hereto shall fail to perform, in whole or in part, any obligation or duty imposed by the terms of this Decree, such defaulting party shall be responsible for the payment of all reasonable attorney fees, costs, and expenses incurred by the other party as a result of such failure or default.

10. EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS:

Each party shall promptly execute and deliver to the other party or any nominee(s) of the other party, all instruments that may be necessary, convenient, or appropriate to carry into effect, fully and fairly, all of the terms of this Decree, and the parties shall also be free to revoke any special or general powers of attorney heretofore given the other or given to any agent or nominee of the other.

11. LIMITED REPRESENTATION:

Following Rule 1.2(c) of the Wyoming Rules of Professional Conduct, any attorney who has entered a limited appearance for the purpose of obtaining a divorce decree is now discharged.

DONE this day of , 20.

BY THE COURT:

______________________________

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE

CHECK ONLY ONE BOX, AND SIGN WHERE INDICATED IN THAT SECTION ONLY:

If the parties have agreed (both sign and have signatures notarized):

I certify that I have read the foregoing Decree of Divorce and that I understand and agree to the terms and agree to the entry of this Decree.

______________________________

Plaintiff’s signature

STATE OF )

) ss

COUNTY OF )

Subscribed and sworn to before me by , this day of , 20.

Witness my hand and official seal

______________________________

Notarial Officer

My Commission Expires:

______________________________

Defendant’s signature

STATE OF )

) ss

COUNTY OF )

Subscribed and sworn to before me by , this day of , 20.

Witness my hand and official seal:

______________________________

Notarial Officer

My Commission Expires:

If default has been entered and the Defendant did not respond:

The above is true and accurate and I want the court to approve:

______________________________

Plaintiff’s signature

If a court hearing was held:

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

______________________________

Plaintiff’s signature

______________________________

Defendant’s signature

Copies sent to:

Plaintiff/Plaintiff’s Attorney’s Name and Address

Defendant/Defendant’s Attorney’s Name and Address

Enter text✕

What the Answer to Complaint Is and when it matters

The Answer to Complaint is the defendant's formal, written response filed in civil court that addresses each allegation raised by the plaintiff. It typically admits or denies specific factual assertions, raises any affirmative defenses, and may include counterclaims or jurisdictional objections. A correctly filed Answer preserves procedural rights, prevents entry of default judgment, and frames issues for discovery and trial. Federal and state rules set the required content and timing; many courts now accept electronically filed Answers subject to local e‑filing rules and service requirements.

Why a timely, accurate Answer protects your case

Filing a clear Answer to Complaint prevents default, preserves defenses, and narrows disputed issues for discovery and motion practice, which can reduce litigation cost and preserve settlement leverage.

Why a timely, accurate Answer protects your case

Who prepares and files an Answer to Complaint

Defense attorneys, self‑represented defendants, and in‑house counsel commonly prepare and file Answers to Complaints under court rules.

  • Defense attorneys and law firms who manage pleadings and litigation strategy on behalf of clients.
  • Self‑represented litigants who draft and file their own Answer following local rules and formatting requirements.
  • In‑house legal teams that coordinate filings and sign on the corporation's behalf when authorized.

The signer is typically the defendant or an authorized attorney; corporate defendants may use an officer or registered agent with authority to accept service and sign filings.

Core parts of a professional Answer to Complaint

A well‑structured Answer follows the court caption, responds paragraph-by-paragraph, and includes defenses, signature, and proof of service to meet procedural and evidentiary expectations.

Caption

Complete court caption including court name, case number, parties, and title line so the clerk can route and docket the filing correctly.

Admissions/Denials

A numbered response that admits, denies, or states insufficient knowledge for each allegation mirroring the plaintiff's numbered paragraphs for clarity.

Affirmative Defenses

List of asserted defenses such as statute of limitations, release, failure to state a claim, or estoppel that, if proven, will bar liability.

Counterclaims

Optional claims by the defendant against the plaintiff, pleaded separately with required factual allegations, damages, and a demand for relief.

Signature Block

Typed name, bar number if applicable, law firm, address, email, and signature line for the party or counsel signing the document.

Certificate of Service

A statement describing how and when opposing parties were served, including method (mail, e‑service), date, and recipient details.

Essential data items to include

Court caption: Court and case ID
Party names: Exact legal names
Response mapping: Paragraph references
Affirmative defenses: Defenses listed
Signature details: Signer name/date
Service statement: How served

Step‑by‑step: drafting and filing an Answer

Follow a consistent sequence to draft, sign, serve, and file the Answer in compliance with court rules and deadlines.

  • 01
    Read the complaint: Identify allegations and required responses.
  • 02
    Draft paragraph responses: Address each numbered allegation precisely.
  • 03
    Add defenses and claims: Plead affirmative defenses and counterclaims if applicable.
  • 04
    Sign, serve, file: Sign, serve opposing parties, and e‑file or deliver to the clerk.

Customize and submit the Answer online

Configure e‑filing and e‑sign workflows to meet court requirements and preserve audit trails during online submission.

Document upload and page placement options Upload PDF and confirm page order
Signature authentication and signer permissions Choose email or SMS code authentication
Certificate of service automation settings Enable auto‑stamp and docketing metadata
Conditional fields for additional defenses Show fields only when defenses are selected
Retention and export file format options Save as PDF/A for long‑term storage

Where to file and how the submission flows

Filing an Answer follows a simple flow: finalize the document, sign, serve, and file through the court's accepted channels.

  • Finalize document: Confirm all responses and attachments.
  • Sign electronically: Apply e‑signature with audit data.
  • Serve opposing parties: Follow permitted service methods.
  • File with clerk: E‑file or deliver according to court rules.

Digital signature and e‑filing considerations

Courts and opposing parties increasingly accept e‑signed Answers, but check local rules and judge preferences before relying solely on electronic methods.

  • eSignature method: Supports audit trail
  • Authentication: Email or SMS code
  • File formats: PDF, PDF/A

Key deadlines to track when filing an Answer

Deadlines vary by jurisdiction and by the method of service; timely response is critical to avoid default and preserve defenses.

Federal rule response deadline:

21 days after service by process server or 60 days if waived federal rules

State court response periods:

Usually 20–30 days from service; check local civil procedure rules

Extension and motion practice:

Stipulated extensions require court approval in many jurisdictions

E‑filing timing rules:

Electronic submissions follow court portal cutoff times

Service date significance:

Service date triggers the response countdown and service proof requirements

Common preparation errors to avoid

  • Missing or incorrect case caption that causes the clerk to reject or misfile the Answer, delaying docketing and potentially triggering refiling fees.
  • Failing to respond to each numbered allegation individually, which can lead the court to treat unaddressed allegations as admitted.
  • Improper service or an inaccurate certificate of service that results in a dispute over whether the opposing party received timely notice.
  • Overly broad or boilerplate affirmative defenses that courts may strike for lack of specificity, reducing available defenses at later stages.

Penalties and risks from an incorrect or late Answer

Default judgment: Possible
Sanctions: Court fines or cost awards
Loss of defenses: Waiver risk
Increased costs: Added litigation expense
Rejection by clerk: Refiling required
Service disputes: Proceeding delays

eSignature vendor comparison for completing and signing an Answer

Compare common vendor attributes for eSigning and managing audit trails when preparing an Answer to Complaint; signNow is listed first per vendor data.

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Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Real‑world examples of Answer use

These examples show how organizations and small firms used a structured Answer to protect rights and streamline case management.

Optica Ventures LLC

When served with a complaint, the company prepared a concise Answer to preserve defenses and proceed to discovery quickly

  • The response tracked each allegation paragraph‑by‑paragraph for clarity
  • The COO noted the interface is simple and easy to use and that customers found the signing process straightforward, helping expedite procedural steps without in‑person handling.

Martin Properties

A small property manager used a formal Answer to dispute alleged lease violations and assert counterclaims for unpaid rent

  • The Answer included a certificate of service and supporting rental records
  • The founder reported the process let them avoid default, keep control of discovery timing, and maintain consistent recordkeeping for the case file.

Frequently asked questions about Answers to Complaints

Common questions about timing, service, amendments, and electronic signing are addressed below to reduce filing errors and procedural risk.


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