The respondent is the party who receives and responds to the petition in an Arizona family law case. In a dissolution case the respondent is the spouse who did not file the petition. Being the respondent carries no inherent disadvantage. The outcome of a dissolution case does not depend on who filed first.

The respondent has a specific window to file a response after being served. Twenty days if served in Arizona, thirty days if served outside Arizona. Missing the response deadline creates a default situation that can move the case forward without the respondent's participation.

A respondent who does not agree with what the petitioner is requesting should file a response that addresses each allegation and states their own position. If the respondent is seeking affirmative relief, such as asking for specific property, maintenance, or parenting arrangements, they file a counter-petition along with their response. The response deadline begins running from the date of service, not from the date you decide to act. Failing to respond has serious consequences and you may lose your property and your children if you don’t respond.