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Divorce with Children - Plaintiff
Steps you'll need to take
Once a case has been filed, a file-stamped copy must be formally given to the Defendant. This is also referred to as "serving" the Defendant. Formal service is required for the Complaint for Divorce, Confidential Statement of the Parties for Child Support Order and Summons so the court knows that the other party actually received the papers and has been given the opportunity to respond.
You MUST give the Defendant official notice that you have filed for divorce within 90 days from the date you filed the Complaint for Divorce and Confidential Statement of the Parties for Child Support Order. This is completed by serving a file-stamped copy of the Summons and Complaint for Divorce upon the Defendant. If you do not serve the Defendant within 90 days, your case can be dismissed by the Court.
As explained in the next few pages, there are two main forms of serving the Defendant (choose only one):
- Personal Service by a Sheriff
- Acknowledgment & Acceptance of Service
NOTE: Other forms of service exist, but these are the easiest methods that meet the formal service requirements for a Complaint of Divorce, Confidential Statement of the Parties for Child Support, and Summons. If you cannot serve the Defendant by either of these methods, ask the Clerk of the District Court for additional forms for alternative methods of service. Additional forms are also available through the Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help Forms.