NOTE: Additional instructions regarding the Answer to Complaint for Divorce can be found in the packet of forms for Divorce (No Minor Children) - Defendant. The packet can be purchased at the Clerk of the District Court in every Wyoming County. The forms are also available through the Self-Help Resources on the Wyoming Judicial Branch website.
OPTION A. Answer to Complaint for Divorce. If you have been served or have signed an Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Service form, you should file an Answer to Complaint for Divorce with the Clerk of the District Court where the Complaint for Divorce was filed. The Answer to Complaint for Divorce is a written document that explains to the court exactly which provisions or sections of the Complaint for Divorce with you agree, disagree, or do not know. If you fail to answer, a default judgment may be entered against you and your spouse may be awarded the relief requested in the Complaint for Divorce.
You must fill in the caption, or the top part of the document correctly and fully with the case number, District Court, and county information. This information is located in the caption of the Summons and Complaint for Divorce.
- Admit or Deny. To answer the Complaint for Divorce, you should go through each and every paragraph of the Complaint for Divorce and either "admit" or "deny" each paragraph. If you do not have enough information to either admit or deny a particular paragraph, you must state that in the Answer to Complaint for Divorce. If you disagree with something and you fail to deny it in your Answer to Complaint for Divorce, the Judge can later treat that paragraph as if you had admitted it.
- Time Limit to file Answer to Complaint. You only have a limited amount of time to file an Answer to Complaint for Divorce. Generally, if you were served within the State of Wyoming, you will have twenty (20) days to file the Answer to Complaint for Divorce. Generally, if you were served outside the State of Wyoming, you will have thirty (30) days to file an Answer to Complaint for Divorce.
- Computation of Time Limits. In computing most time limits, unless otherwise stated, the day the document is served shall not be included. The last day of the time period is included, unless it lands on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday, or, if the Courthouse is closed, then the time limit will be on the very next day the Courthouse is open. If you have questions about time limits, you should seek the advice of an attorney.
- Certificate of Service. Copies of all documents sent to or filed with the court must be sent to the Plaintiff before the Judge will consider them. The certificate you will sign to show that you have sent those copies is included at the end of every document that requires it.
- Copies. Make two (2) copies of the document. The original will be filed by the Clerk of District Court, one copy is for the Plaintiff, and the other copy you will keep for your records.