Petitioner vs. Respondent in Divorce: What Is the Difference in NC?

A divorce is never an easy subject to approach. It is an emotionally charged time for everyone involved, and there are a lot of moving parts that can make the process complicated. With new terminology, advancing decisions that once never had to be made, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed, it’s no wonder people can feel lost when first starting the divorce process. A critical distinction in a divorce is the difference between a petitioner and a respondent.

What Is a Petitioner?

The petitioner is the individual who initiates the divorce proceedings. To file for divorce, the petitioner must first file a petition with the court. The petition must clearly state what grounds for divorce exist and any other relevant information about the marriage, such as property division and child custody. Once the petition is filed, the respondent will be served with divorce papers and given a certain amount of time to respond.

What Is a Respondent?

The respondent is the individual who responds to the divorce petition. Once they have been served with papers, they must file a response with the court. The response will state whether they agree or disagree with the petitioner’s grounds for divorce and any other relevant information about the marriage. If the respondent does not choose to file a response, they will be in default and the divorce will proceed without them.

How to Decide Who Is the Petitioner

In some cases, it will be clear who the petitioner should be. For instance, if only one person wants to get divorced, that person will be the petitioner. In other cases, it may need to be clarified. If both parties want to get divorced, they must decide who will be the petitioner. There are a few factors that can help you determine who should be the petitioner, such as:

• The first party to file for divorce. If one person files for divorce before the other, that person will likely be the petitioner.
• The party living in the state where the divorce will be filed. To file for divorce, you must meet the state’s residency requirements. This usually means that you must have lived in the state for a certain period, such as six months or one year. If only one person meets the residency requirements, then that person will be the petitioner.
• The party that has more at stake. In some cases, the person who has more to lose in the divorce will be the petitioner. This is because the petitioner gets to decide what they want in the divorce, such as who gets the house or whether they will receive spousal support. If one person stands to lose more than the other, then that person will likely be the petitioner.

Making the Decision

Ultimately, the decision of who should be the petitioner in a divorce is up to the parties involved. It is a personal decision that should be made based on your individual circumstances. If you are having trouble deciding who should be the petitioner, consider consulting with an attorney. An attorney can help you understand all the implications of being the petitioner, as well as any other unforeseen factors that may be relevant to your case.

FAQs About Petitioner vs. Respondent in Divorce Law

What is the difference between a petitioner and a plaintiff?

The main difference between a petitioner and a plaintiff is that the petitioner is the party who initiates proceedings, while the plaintiff is the party who files a claim. In divorce, the petitioner is the party who initiates divorce proceedings by filing a petition with the court. The respondent is the party who responds to the petition. In a civil claim, the plaintiff is the party who files against the defendant.

Is it better to be the petitioner or the respondent in a divorce?

There is no “better” option, as it depends on your individual circumstances. If you are the petitioner, you get to decide what you want in the divorce, such as who gets the house or whether you will receive spousal support. However, if you are the respondent, you may have less to lose in the divorce. Ultimately, the decision of who should be the petitioner is up to you and your spouse. You should consult with an attorney to help you understand the implications of being the petitioner.

How does a court proceeding work if the respondent does not file a response to the divorce petition?

If the respondent does not file a response, they will be in default and the divorce will proceed without them. The petitioner will need to provide the court with evidence of the grounds for divorce, as well as any other relevant information. The court will then make a decision on the divorce, which usually increases the probability of the petitioner getting what they want since the respondent is not present to argue their case.

How can an attorney help me if I am getting divorced?

A divorce attorney can help you in a variety of ways, such as filing for divorce, negotiating a settlement, and representing you in court. An attorney can also help you understand the implications of being the petitioner or respondent in a divorce. Because the average person does not have a complete understanding of the law, an attorney can be invaluable in helping you navigate the divorce process.

Contact The Law Offices of Aimee E. Cain Today

If you are considering a divorce and have deep questions about how the process works, let The Law Offices of Aimee E. Cain guide you through these waters. Our attorneys have many years of experience handling all types of divorce cases, and we can help you understand your options carefully and what to expect every step of the way. We have already successfully helped countless clients through their divorces, and we can help you too. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to leading you through this difficult time, whether you choose to be the petitioner or the respondent.