If your spouse has filed a divorce, a copy of the Complaint for Divorce (with Children) must be formally given to (a/k/a served on) you (the Defendant). Your spouse can do this two ways: first, by giving it to you, and you accepting it then completing the Acknowledgment and Acceptance of Service form; or second, by Personal Service, which requires that a Sheriff serve you the Complaint.
After your receive the Complaint for Divorce (with Children) you must respond. This means that you must file with the court, and send a copy to your spouse, one of the following two forms:
- 1A. Answer to Complaint for Divorce (with Children)
- 1B. Answer and Counterclaim to Complaint for Divorce (with Children)
** YOU HAVE A TIME LIMIT TO ANSWER THE COMPLAINT: If you were served the Complaint inside Wyoming, you have twenty (20) days from the date of service to file one of the above options. If you were served in any state OTHER THAN Wyoming, you have thirty (30) days to respond. This is stated in the Summons you received with the Complaint for Divorce.
You MUST select ONE of these options. Each option is explained in the next sections. **NOTE: If you do not file one of these options within the required time, the court may enter a Default order. This could mean that whatever it is your spouse requested in the Complaint (about custody, visition, and child support), could be ordered.**