Lawyer's secret:   When a spouse is served with divorce papers, they should not read the contents (and not hire the first lawyer they meet).

 

Being served with divorce papers generally invokes a dramatic emotional response. While some spouses talk about getting a divorce, when a spouse is served, he or she usually had no idea that their spouse had taken the next step and filed the case. Getting served can also prove to be an embarrassing event, if the spouse is served in the presence of family or co-workers.  

 

Sometimes, spouses attempt to avoid being served, when they know someone is about to serve them with papers.  The best approach to being served, is to simply and politely accept the papers from whomever is serving them.  Usually the person serving papers is a Sheriff's police officer or licensed private investigator.  It doesn't serve a spouse's interest to avoid service, or being rude to the process server.  If anything, it could hurt your case.  Accept the papers and go from there.

 

Once you receive the papers, do not read the contents.  Again, DO NOT READ THE CONTENTS.  The allegations contained with the papers (more formally called the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage), are usually generic, but some attorneys do put hurtful allegations within the documents, though they are unnecessary.  These initial allegations usually get the best of someone's emotions, not knowing the precise legal implication of the allegations.  For this reason, there is no benefit to you reading the allegations, unless you're looking to be upset for a day or two, until a lawyer convinces you that the allegations are "par-for-the-course" and legally have no impact in the outcome of your case.

 

Many spouses also make the second biggest mistake having been "served."  They quickly run and hire the first lawyer that's willing to meet with them.  Spouses should be well aware that they have 30 days after the date of service to take action in Court to address their divorce.  Running out and hiring the first lawyer you meet could have negative consequences.  Take your time, meet with several lawyers, and only then, decide on the lawyer that you feel will best represent you and your interests.

 

Approximately 30% of Mr. Nordini's clientele had previously hired someone else at the onset of their case, and only later realizing that their hasty choice was a mistake.

 

While being served is scary, emotional, and will cause a good amount of fear, DO NOT be driven by instinct and run to a lawyer's arms.  Take your time and think about how you want to approach your case, and what qualities that you want in your lawyer. 

​

If you would like to talk to Mr. Nordini about how to best approach your case, feel free to call him today for your free consultation.