Uncontested divorce papers have been signed by both parties except defendant 805. No child support is being asked for. Defendant won’t show up for finalization (has been given several chances) and judge doesn’t want to proceed without them. Any advice on next steps without turning it into a contested divorce?
Ask the judge to enter decree and hold the other issues in abeyance.
This is weird, fully uncontested and the judge doesn’t want to default? It’s signed off; it should be sent through the system without any delays. Could they ask for a different judge or go above that judge to his/her superior?
Has the judge given any reasoning for not finalizing due to default? The other party had the opportunity to contest and did nothing. In most courts, that would lead to a default order.
No reason other than not wanting to proceed without the defendant because of it being uncontested.
That’s very strange. Typically, not showing up at all is the biggest indicator that someone doesn’t contest. If you are able to contact the ex, explain things won’t go forward unless they sign, so you’ll be forced to change to a contested divorce which will cost you both more time and money.
They have already signed. Everything is agreed to.
The other party signed off on everything, and the judge still won’t finalize it without the other party physically showing up in court? This sounds like an issue with the specific judge. I would suggest getting a consultation with a local family law attorney who regularly works in that court with that judge.