The “Answer and Counter-Petition” is the written response of a party who gets served with the Summons and Petition for Divorce. The Answer contains the factual background and the relief requested from the answering party’s perspective. The Answer must be served within thirty (30) days from the date that it is served. It is important to either obtain a written extension in which to serve and file an Answer (from the other party or the attorney for the other party, if represented by counsel) or to serve and file an Answer within the required time frame of thirty (30) days. If a party fails to do so, the Court can grant a “Default Judgment” (where the initiating party is granted the relief requested in his/her Petition for Divorce