The only way for a divorce or any other domestic relations case to be finalized promptly WITHOUT an agreement or cooperation from the other party, is by a "Default Judgment". To answer the question, you should understand a little about a concept called the "jurisdiction" of the Court, a complicated subject, most of which is beyond the scope of this website. But we will explain "jurisdiction" to the extent it pertains to: How a divorce or other family case can be concluded promptly without the agreement or cooperation of the other party.

Before any court can take an act that effects someone's life or property, the court has to have "jurisdiction". This is required by, among other things, the Due Process Clause of the U. S. Constitution. Our courts proceed on the principal that all involved must have "due process" - a concept of fairness and proper procedure.

An agreed or uncontested case is accomplished by both parties voluntarily submitting to the jurisdiction of the Court. The person filing does so by filing. The other party must either voluntarily attend a court-hearing or file papers that indicate to the Court they do not object to the jurisdiction of the court on any legal or factual basis.

What if the non-filing party will not cooperate and voluntarily submit to the jurisdiction of the Court?

They must be in-voluntarily submitted to the jurisdiction of the Court. The Court must issue an official court document called a "SUMMONS", or some other form of official court notice or Order to appear. The Summons must then be properly delivered or "served" on the non-filing party, usually in person delivery by a law-enforcement officer or process server. If the non-filing party does not properly respond or appear at the Court within the time limits specified by law, the Court may then proceed and grant a Divorce or other relief requested "by default". This is considered the minimum due process required, and is how a legal proceeding can be concluded promptly even if one party will not cooperate. Ignoring an official court notice like a Summons is an act of negligence. Many people don't realize this until its too late.

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