What do I do after I was served divorce papers from my out-of-state wife?

If your wife and child have been living in FL continuously for at least six months before she filed, and FL is where you last lived together as husband and wife, then generally FL courts will have jurisdiction to determine child-related issues like custody, timesharing, parental responsibility and decision-making, and child support, as well as equitable distribution of the marital assets and liabilities and granting a divorce. It would not be advisable for you to let important decisions like these be made without being represented by counsel. Though you say you cannot afford to hire someone expensive, this is not an area in which you should cut corners. The truth is, you cannot afford NOT to hire someone well-qualified to represent you in these matters.

Thank you for your inquiry, and yes, you do need a Florida attorney to respond to the divorce paperwork that your Wife has filed. I would be more than happy to speak with you regarding your potential case. All of my initial, potential new client consultations are conducted over the telephone and are free. During the consultation, we can speak about the particulars of your matter, as well as discuss your potential rights and options. Then, should you wish to proceed, we would coordinate an in person meeting to exchange and sign any necessary paperwork in order for me to undertake your case.

Go to Florida Bar Website, FlaBar.org. There is an attorney referral service.

Your intuition is correct. You should hire an attorney ASAP who regularly practices in the jurisdiction where your wife filed her petition for dissolution of marriage.

You cannot afford not to hire an attorney in Florida. Contact a few in the area where the divorce was filed and get some free consultations.