Respondent
The respondent is the spouse who did not file the divorce petition — the one who receives and responds to it. In a Florida dissolution of marriage, the spouse who files is the petitioner, and the other spouse is the respondent. Being the respondent doesn't put you at a disadvantage; in an uncontested divorce both spouses are simply working toward the same agreement.
Last updated June 21, 2026
Legal Definition
The respondent is the party against whom a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed and who is served with process; under the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, the respondent files an answer (and any counterpetition) in response to the petition.
Example
Since his wife filed the paperwork first, he was named the respondent and had 20 days to file his answer.
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