If You Missed the Deadline to Respond, You May Still Have Options
It can happen in the middle of chaos. You receive divorce papers but feel overwhelmed, unsure, or emotionally unprepared. Maybe you miss a deadline. Maybe you think ignoring it will slow things down. But in Pennsylvania, failing to respond can lead to a default divorce judgment—granting your spouse everything they requested.
The good news is that all may not be lost. If you act quickly, the court may allow you to set aside the default and participate in your case.
Watch: The Danger of Doing Nothing
In the video, Taylor received divorce papers but never responded. He skipped court dates, assuming things would calm down or work themselves out. Instead, the court issued a default judgment. By the time Taylor reached out, the damage was already done.
Our legal team acted fast. We filed a motion to set aside the default and argued that it was unfair to grant his spouse everything. The judge agreed and gave Taylor a second chance. From there, we secured a fair settlement that protected his financial and parental rights.
What Is a Motion to Set Aside Default?
In Pennsylvania, a motion to set aside default is a formal request asking the court to cancel a default judgment and allow the case to proceed as if the response had been filed. Courts may grant this request if the person can show:
- >A legitimate reason for not responding on time, such as illness, confusion, or improper service
- A prompt response once they realized the mistake
- A valid defense to the original divorce petition
The sooner this motion is filed, the better the chances of success.
Why You Should Act Fast
Default judgments are not always final, but courts expect parties to act quickly. Waiting too long can make it harder to reverse the ruling. Evidence may be lost, deadlines may pass, and judges may be less willing to reopen the case.
Even if you think it’s too late, speak with an attorney. You may still have legal grounds to challenge the default.
Let a Legal Team Help You Recover
Reversing a default judgment requires a strong, well-supported motion and a legal strategy that shows the court why a second chance is justified. Petrelli Previtera has helped clients across Pennsylvania restore their rights and protect their future after a default.
Visit our Philadelphia Divorce Lawyer page or learn more about responding to divorce papers to understand your next steps.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
If you’ve missed a response deadline and received a default divorce judgment, you may still be able to act. Legal guidance can make the difference between losing everything and getting a fair outcome.
Call (866) 465-5395 today to speak with an attorney about setting aside a default and protecting your future.