Many people simply ignore the papers they receive, or simply take the word of the other spouse that they do not have to do anything. Ignoring the paperwork and failing to file a response can lead to disaster. Despite how much you may want to cooperate with your spouse, or be unable to react due to the emotional stress, you cannot ignore the paperwork. A divorce or separation is like any other civil lawsuit. If you do not respond, you will be in default and can lose many rights that could have protected you.