Ive read where spouses agree & sign d-papers. Does everyone have to sign them? I didnt sign any papers the day we sat down for our D march 2002 it was may 23 when the judge signed them. I was told to sit in a room with my son while the 2 lawyers talked. later I learned this wasnt right I should have been in the room to hear what was going on. did anyone else not sign their D-papers. We did not do a pre-agreement paper.

m-17 yrs 9 months
h-42 w-48
c-13, 28, 7 gd
D-5-23-02

OW-29
C-3 under 10
D-needs judge to sign

Sounds like you should have had the option to be present. Perhaps your atty declined on your behalf? Was it a contested divorce? I know in most states as long as the other party is served it only requires the judge asking about 3 questions:

1) Establishes residency - and in turn the Court's rightful jurisdiction in case.

2) Verifies marriage date and authenticity of facts stated in Petition for Divorce.

3) Confirms party present still wants divorce.

The whole process takes less than 5 mins. Often I have seen only the petitioning party in the Courtroom. After three yesses (is that a word?) to the above, the judge declares the Divorce and later signs the decree. Other party never has to sign. If both signatures were required a lot of people would never receive a D. The above applies in Georgia and most other states as well. If the opposing party is present, s/he usually has an opportunity to agree/disagree w/ the facts. However, a D may still be issued.

I felt so sorry for this one woman. Her H filed and still wanted D. She begged the judge not to grant a D. The judge basically advised her it takes 2 to get married, but only 1 to D. Callous really.

I see your D was in late May. Did you not want the D? Good luck to you in your healing. I only read here occassionally (sp?) but there seems to be very supportive people and insightful literature as well. fs