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Response to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

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Response to Petition about a Marriage

Superior Court of Washington, County of

In re the marriage of:

Petitioner (person who started this case):

And Respondent (other spouse):

No.

Use this form to respond to a Petition for Divorce, Petition for Legal Separation, or Petition to Invalidate (Annul) Marriage.

1. Your response

Look at each section of the Petition. Check below to say if you agree or disagree with what the other party said in each section, or say if you don’t know because you don’t have enough information. (If you disagree with any part of a section, check “I disagree.”) List your reasons for disagreeing on page 2.

Section in the Petition I agree I disagree I don’t know
1. Information about the parties
2. Information about the marriage
3. Request...
4. Jurisdiction over the spouses
5. Is one of the spouses pregnant?
6. Children of the marriage
6.a. Children’s home/s
6.b. Other people with a legal right to spend time with a child
6.c. Other court cases involving a child
7. Jurisdiction over the children
8. Parenting Plan
9. Child Support
10. Children from other relationships
11. Written Agreements
12. Real Property (land or home)
13. Personal Property (possessions, assets or business interests of any kind)
14. Debts
15. Spousal Support (maintenance/alimony)
16. Fees and Costs
17. Protection Order
18. Restraining Order
19. Name Change
20. Other requests, if any

If you checked “Disagree” for any of the sections, list your reasons here:

Section #: Reasons:

Section #: Reasons:

(If you need more space, you may add more pages to this Response. Number, date and sign each page that you add.)

2. Protection Order

Do you want the court to issue an Order for Protection as part of the final orders in this case?

No. (Skip to 3.)

Yes. (You must file a Petition for Order for Protection, form DV-1.015 for domestic violence, or form UHST-02.0200 for harassment. You may file your Petition for Order for Protection using the same case number assigned to this case.)

Important! If you need protection now, ask the court clerk about getting a Temporary Order for Protection.

There already is an Order for Protection between my spouse and me. (Describe):

Court that issued the order:

Case number:

Expiration date:

3. Restraining Order

Do you want the court to issue a Restraining Order as part of the final orders in this case?

No. (Skip to 4.)

Yes. Check the type of orders you want:

Do not disturb – Order the Petitioner not to disturb my peace or the peace of any child listed in the Petition.

Stay away – Order the Petitioner not to go onto the grounds of or enter my home, workplace, or school, and the daycare or school of any child listed in Petition.

Also, not knowingly to go or stay within feet of my home, workplace, or school, or the daycare or school of any child listed in Petition.

Do not hurt or threaten – Order the Petitioner:

• Not to assault, harass, stalk or molest me or any child listed in the Petition; and

• Not to use, try to use, or threaten to use physical force against me or the children that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury.

Prohibit weapons and order surrender – Order the Petitioner:

• Not to possess or obtain any firearms, other dangerous weapons, or concealed pistol license until the Order ends, and

• To surrender any firearms, other dangerous weapons, and any concealed pistol license that he/she possesses to (check one): the police chief or sheriff. his/her lawyer. other person (name):

Other restraining orders:

Important! If you want a restraining order now, you must file a Motion for Temporary Family Law Order and Restraining Order (FL Divorce 223) or a Motion for Immediate Restraining Order (Ex Parte) (FL Divorce 221).

4. Requests

I ask the court to approve the following order about my marriage (check one):

Final Divorce Order (Dissolution Decree)

Invalid Marriage Order (Annulment Decree)

Final Legal Separation Order

Valid Marriage Order (Decree)

I also ask the court to (check all that apply):

approve Respondent’s proposed Parenting Plan

approve a Child Support Order, according to the Washington State Child Support Schedule

approve the separation contract.

divide the property and debts as requested above (or fairly and equitably if no specific request is made).

order reasonable spousal support as requested above (or fairly and equitably if no specific request is made).

order payment of lawyer fees, other professional fees, and costs for this case.

change the Respondent’s name to:

approve an Order for Protection

approve a Restraining Order

Other (specify):

Respondent fills out below:

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington that the facts I have provided on this form (including any attachments) are true.

I have attached pages.

Signed at (city and state):

Date:

I agree to accept legal papers for this case at (check one):

my lawyer’s address, listed below.

the following address (this does not have to be your home address):

(Optional) email:

Important! You must fill out and file a Confidential Information form (FL All Family 001) with the court clerk.

Lawyer (if any) fills out below:

Lawyer’s address

Email (if applicable):

Enter text✕
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What a Response to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage Is

A Response to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is the formal written document a respondent files after being served with a petition for divorce. The response admits or denies allegations, asserts defenses or counterclaims, and can propose temporary orders or settlement terms. It becomes part of the court record and frames the issues the court must resolve, including property division, child custody, support, and attorney fees; timing and required content vary by state and local family court rules.

Why a Clear, Timely Response Matters

Filing a correct response preserves your right to contest allegations, prevents a default judgment, and preserves jurisdictional and evidentiary positions. Electronic signature laws (15 U.S.C. ch. 96, ESIGN) and UETA support e‑records generally, but court filings and family law decrees are often subject to local court rules and may require original signatures or e‑filing through the court portal.

Why a Clear, Timely Response Matters

Who Prepares and Files This Response

Typical filers include the respondent (self‑represented) and family law attorneys acting on behalf of clients.

  • Pro se respondents managing their own case and completing court forms without an attorney.
  • Family law attorneys drafting responses, counterclaims, and proposed temporary orders for clients.
  • Court clerks and mediators who review filings for compliance with local rules and service requirements.

Each user must follow local court filing rules; attorneys generally handle service, deadlines, and format compliance.

Step‑by‑Step: Completing and Filing Your Response

Follow these core steps to complete, serve, and file a Response to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.

  • 01
    Review Petition: Read the petition fully and note each allegation.
  • 02
    Draft Responses: Answer allegations precisely: admit, deny, or state lack of knowledge.
  • 03
    Assemble Attachments: Attach financial affidavits, parenting plans, or exhibits as required.
  • 04
    Serve and File: Serve opposing party and file with the court by required method.

Where to File and Who Receives Copies

Responses are filed with the family court that issued the petition. Service and filing routes differ by jurisdiction and may include in-person filing, e‑filing portals, or court clerk submission.

  • Court Clerk: File the signed response with the issuing court.
  • Opposing Party: Serve the petitioner per local rules (personal, mail, or e‑service if allowed).
  • Domestic Relations Office: Send required financial disclosures to the designated office when required.
  • Attorney of Record: Deliver copies to attorneys listed on the case.

Customizing an Online Workflow for the Response

Set up a clear digital workflow to prepare, sign, and route the response for filing and service.

Field Configuration
Signer Order Respondent then attorney
Authentication Email + SMS code when higher assurance needed
Attachments PDF financials, parenting plan, exhibits
Delivery Method Download for court filing or send via court e‑file link

Digital Signing and Distribution Considerations

Use secure eSignature and document delivery options that meet court and privacy requirements.

  • File Formats: PDF/X compatible
  • Authentication: Email or SMS code
  • Integration: Court e‑file portal support

Confirm the court accepts electronic submissions and that chosen authentication satisfies local rules before relying on eSignature for filing.

eSignature Pricing Comparison for Filing and Signing

Compare common vendor pricing and features relevant to preparing and executing legal responses; signNow appears first per vendor listing rules.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no credit card Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Required Information Typically Included in the Response

Petitioner Name: Full legal name
Respondent Name: Full legal name
Case Number: Court-assigned identifier
Allegation Responses: Admit/Deny entries
Relief Sought: Specific remedies requested
Signature/Date: Signed MM/DD/YYYY

Consequences of an Incorrect or Late Response

Default Judgment: Possible if no timely response
Loss of Rights: Waiver of defenses or claims
Sanctions: Court may impose fines
Jurisdiction Risk: Improper service may void orders
Perjury Exposure: False statements risk criminal charge
Financial Liability: Unaddressed support obligations

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing the case number or using an incorrect caption which can cause the clerk to misfile the response and delay proceedings.
  • Failing to serve the petitioner correctly or to file proof of service, exposing you to default judgment risks and contested jurisdictional defenses.
  • Using vague responses such as 'deny all' without addressing individual allegations can limit factual defenses and complicate case management later.
  • Neglecting to attach required financial disclosures or parenting plans where mandated, which can prompt continuances or adverse interim orders.

Typical Deadlines and Timing Expectations

Deadlines differ by state; these entries show common timing elements to confirm with local court rules.

Response Period:

Varies by state; commonly 20–30 days

Proof of Service:

File promptly after serving opposing party

Requesting Temporary Orders:

May require separate motion and expedited hearing

Scheduling Conference:

Court sets early case management date

Document Exchange:

Follow local deadlines for disclosures

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Apply consistent formatting, verify party details, and use checklists to reduce rejections and delays.

Use the Court Caption
Place the exact court name, county, and case number at the top of every page. Consistent captioning helps the clerk match attachments and avoids misfiling that can delay hearings or require re-submission.
Answer Item by Item
Respond to each numbered allegation individually rather than offering a general denial. Itemized responses give the court a clear record of disputed facts and streamline motions practice during early conferences.
Include Proof of Service
Attach a completed proof of service form after serving the petitioner. Courts commonly refuse to accept filings without service proof or may continue hearings until service is confirmed.
Keep Organized Copies
Retain signed originals, filed copies, and electronic certificates of completion. Organized records simplify appeals, enforcement, and responses to court requests for additional documentation.

Practical Examples of How Responses Are Used

These example scenarios show common response outcomes in typical family law matters.

Self‑Represented Respondent

A respondent prepares a concise denial and counterproposal for custody

  • served the petitioner by mail per local rule
  • the court scheduled a case management hearing and ordered exchange of financial affidavits within 30 days.

Attorney‑Prepared Response

An attorney files a detailed response with proposed temporary support orders

  • includes sworn financial statement and request for hearing
  • result: the court set temporary support and discovery deadlines pending mediation.

FAQs and Troubleshooting for Responses

Answers to frequent questions about signing, filing, and correcting a Response to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.


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