I was recently served the Civil Summons and complaint by the sherriff, and am listed as the defendant. I then received the notice of the hearing date (12/4). As the defendant, do I need to appear at court on the specified date/time? Do I have to respond to the civil summons?
There should be a Complaint attached to the Summons. If the Complaint contains only a claim for divorce and you agree with all of the allegations of fact you need not respond or appear. If however the Complaint includes any claim other than one for absolute divorce, and/or you disagree with any of the allegations, you must respond with in 30 days of your receipt of the same.