The term return date refers to a specific day set by a court or legal document when a party must respond to a legal action. This date is crucial in various legal contexts, including civil and family law cases. In divorce proceedings, for instance, the return date marks the beginning of the waiting period for the divorce process. It is also the deadline by which the defendant must file an appearance in court.
Return dates are commonly used in several areas of law, including:
Users can manage these processes with the right tools, such as legal templates available through US Legal Forms, which are drafted by experienced attorneys.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: In a divorce case, the return date is set for 30 days after the filing of the divorce petition. This is when the other spouse must respond to the petition.
Example 2: In a civil lawsuit, the return date might be established as 20 days after the defendant receives the complaint, indicating when they must file their answer. (hypothetical example)
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Return Date Rules |
|---|---|
| California | Return dates are typically set by local court rules, often requiring a response within 30 days. |
| New York | Return dates can vary, but generally, defendants have 20 days to respond to a summons. |
| Texas | Return dates are usually set at the time of filing, with specific timelines depending on the type of case. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Response Date | The deadline for a party to respond to a legal document. | Return date is often the same but specifically refers to the date set by the court. |
| Appearance Date | The date a party must appear in court. | Return date may include filing documents, while appearance date is strictly for court attendance. |
If you are involved in a legal case with a return date:
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