My son was served with divorce papers from his wife. Soon after he was served with the papers she told him she was "calling it all off". However we have reason to believe that she told him this in hopes that he would not file an answer or appearance with the court and thereby give her free reign to proceed with whatever terms in the divorce decree she wants. We do not have the money to hire an attorney but desperately need to file an Answer or appearance with the Court by this Monday if my son is to protect his rights. Can anyone help with advice in this area and perhaps provide a form to us to use. We will be filing this ourselves with the court and not able to use an attorney which I believe is called pro se. If someone is so kind as to provide us with a form to do this we would be much appreciative. Also some advice on what to do would be appreciated. From what I have read online it seems like we would have to file an original answer or whatever with the court signed by my son perhaps showing somehow that the attorney for his wife has been sent a copy of the same document. HELP!!

Based on my experience if the court hearing is tomorrow...please...please...make sure your son SHOWS UP regardless if he has a lawyer or not. Not showing up is the worse thing you can do against yourself. I have been to court 3 times by myself and I have done pretty good. Believe it or not most family court judges will not discredit you if you don't have a lawyer. Be frank honest and sincere. The worse thing you can do in court is to WHINE about anything that has nothing to do with the case. Do not hesitate to request for a extension if you are not prepared to be heard but whatever your reasons DO SHOW UP TOMORROW!! I hope this helps. Again this is speaking from my experiences in the Tarrant County Family Court. Your situation may differ from mine but ignoring a commitment will not help you if you don't show up.

there is no hearing tomorrow - only the requirement to answer the court in the form of an answer or appearance document which shows that we are taking an active interest in the case and not willing to let this girl proceed with a default judgment against him - thanks for the advice though and I am happy to hear that you were able to do well on your own without an attorney

Your county law library (probably located close to the court house) should have the form you are looking for so you will have to do some leg work and quick. Be sure to put in the same case number and heading from the Original Petition make a few copies and file it with the court. Once filed with the court clerk send a copy to her attorney Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested. Good luck.