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Family law

Respondent

The person who responds to a petition, such as the spouse who receives divorce papers.[1]

In more detail

California's courts explain that a respondent who files a response must share financial information, and that if the respondent doesn't respond, the case can go ahead by default.[1] Being served starts the clock to respond.[2]

Varies by state

Some states use defendant, especially in civil cases. Find your state’s rules.

Related terms

  • PetitionerThe person who starts a court case by filing a petition, such as a petition for divorce.
  • DefendantIn a civil case, the person or organization being sued; in a criminal case, the person accused of a crime.
  • Default judgmentA judgment entered for the side that filed the case because the other side didn't answer or appear.
  • Service of processFormally delivering court papers, such as a summons and complaint or petition, to the person they are directed to.

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Sources

The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.

  1. Share your financial information (financial disclosure)selfhelp.courts.ca.govchecked ↩
  2. You were served divorce papersselfhelp.courts.ca.govchecked ↩

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MediationList. (2026, October 28). Respondent: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/respondent/

APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.