Hopefully you get some better input, but I did talk to an attorney a week ago and it sounds similar. In my state, once it's started, we get 30 days to respond to the filing. At this point, we have the option to agree to the terms, or take exception to them. Then I think a hearing is set to discuss, which is usually 3 months out. If we can't agree at the hearing, then a court date is set, which is usually another 3 months out.

My L said that she recommended I hire someone to review the documents regardless, because W's attorney is only looking out for W, and even if we agree on everything, sometimes things can be swayed towards one party. For example, there's a formula in my state for maintenance/support....my L said that there's enough wiggle room in it that you can make it what you want, to a point. It's not black and white.

Even if you can't hire L for the whole thing, maybe you can get an hour of their time and have them review the doc for you? There also may be some legal aid available, or Father's for Equal Rights, or something similar. Check around.


M:44 W:42
M:15
S:19, D:16, S:14, D:12, S:6
BD: 2/14/11
D Final: 6/25/13