Refusal to endorse divorce documentation does not automatically halt the dissolution of a marriage. While cooperation streamlines the process, the legal system provides mechanisms for proceeding even with the non-participation of one spouse. For instance, a party can be served divorce papers and their lack of signature does not invalidate the initial service.
The ramifications of non-cooperation can extend the timeline and potentially increase legal costs. The court prioritizes resolving marital disputes, and ignoring the process can lead to decisions being made based solely on the participating spouse’s submissions. Historically, obtaining a divorce required mutual consent; however, modern no-fault divorce laws have largely removed this requirement in many jurisdictions, allowing divorce proceedings to continue regardless of one party’s willingness to sign.