[Direct answer]In the Beijing area, the 15-day defense period is the first countdown - don't panic or delay after receiving the complaint. Follow these four steps: First, check the materials (copy of the complaint, list of evidence, court date and evidence-presentation period on the subpoena); Second, decide on your stance (if you don't agree to the divorce, prepare a defense of marital breakdown; if you agree to the divorce, shift the focus to property and custody rights); Third, inventory your own evidence (property certificates, care records, income proof); Fourth, consider hiring a lawyer or applying for mediation - being sued doesn't mean being passive. The four tools of defense, evidence presentation, counterclaim, and mediation are all in your hands. Only by ignoring them will you truly lose the initiative.

I. Problem background and typical scenarios

The court's legal documents suddenly arrived in your hands: the other party is suing for divorce, and the claims include custody rights, real estate, and a division plan that you've never agreed to; some people are too scared to open the letter, some are angry and say "just don't attend the court hearing, what can you do about it?", and some even argued with the other party on the phone for two hours on the spot—all three reactions are giving the other party procedural advantages.

II. Key points of contention

Firstly, the procedural points of the defense period and the evidence-presentation period. Secondly, the defense strategies against divorce. Thirdly, the countermeasures when agreeing to divorce. Fourthly, the risks of absenteeism.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

First Level: Clarify the Program Nodes First. The evidentiary period specified in the indictment and the court date specified in the subpoena are two hard deadlines—submitting evidence and a defense statement within the evidentiary period (with a 15-day defense period and the option to request an extension), and evidence submitted after the deadline may be questioned or even disregarded. If there are objections to jurisdiction (e.g., the defendant is sued in a court outside their habitual residence), they can submit a jurisdiction objection application within the defense period to change the trial court or at least gain more time. Upon receiving materials, first do three things: read the claim list, check the evidence list, and mark every item with objections. Second Level: Key Defenses Against Divorce. Claim that the marriage has not broken down—foundations of cohabitation (still living in the same residence, daily collaboration in child-rearing), repairability of conflicts (communication records, evidence of friends and relatives mediating), and absence of statutory grounds for divorce (no domestic violence, less than two years of separation). In first-time divorce litigation, if the defendant insists on disagreement and lacks statutory grounds, the court often rules against divorce—this is not a delaying tactic but a legal right. However, be aware that after the judgment of non-divorce takes effect, the other party cannot sue again within six months (unless there are new circumstances or reasons). These six months are both a window for reconciliation and a risk period for property disputes—don’t waste time on futile arguments. Third Level: Counter-Attacks for Consenting to Divorce. Shift the focus to three areas during consenting to divorce: property (inventorying joint assets, investigating hidden transfers, requesting access to transaction records and registration information), debts (distinguishing joint and personal debts, preventing fraudulent debt claims), and custody (care records, living conditions, actual evidence of elderly support). If the other party’s proposed division plan is unreasonable, don’t accept it entirely. Submit defense arguments and submit your own plan within the evidentiary period. If necessary, allege the other party’s fault (infidelity, domestic violence, asset transfers) to demand a larger share. Fourth Level: Absence Is the Worst Option. If you refuse to attend court, the court may rule by default. In divorce cases, if the defendant refuses to appear without a valid reason after two subpoena notifications, the court may issue a detention order. Absence means complete absence of property claims and custody opinions, and the court is likely to adopt the other party’s plan unquestioned. If truly unable to attend, written defenses, evidence, and a lawyer’s appearance can substitute. Emotionally, avoid confrontations with the other party before trial (argument records may become evidence of marital breakdown) and reserve your expression for the court and defense statements.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

The first step is to check the claims, the list of evidence, and the various deadlines on the day of receiving the materials. The second step is to submit a defense statement during the defense period and raise a jurisdiction objection if necessary. The third step is to organize evidence and plans according to two different paths: either disagreeing with the divorce or agreeing to the divorce. The fourth step is to promptly hire a lawyer and consider applying for property preservation if there are major property disputes. The main legal basis is Article 1079 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China, the relevant provisions of the Civil Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China on the defense period, jurisdiction objection, and default judgment, and the relevant content of the Interpretation of the Civil Procedure Law issued by the Supreme People's Court. The specific application shall be subject to the currently effective provisions.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Reminder

Three key points for responding to divorce lawsuits: First, during the 15-day defense period, focus on the time limit before considering the claims. Jurisdictional objections are also procedural tools; if you disagree with the divorce, it means the marriage has not broken down; if you agree with the divorce, you should seize the right to provide evidence for property division and child custody; defaulting in court means accepting the other party's proposal in its entirety; appearing in court or appointing a lawyer is always better than remaining silent. For issues related to divorce responses and property defenses, you can seek assistance through legal professionals.Divorce litigation and family disputesThe service obtains an overall solution, which involves the integration of property preservation and enforcementCreditor's rights and debts, and enforcementFor cases involving custody disputes, you can refer to the following sections for referenceSpecial servicesFor any questions regarding difficult situations, you can seek advice from the columnPersonal injury and medical disputesTeam.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Within how many days after receiving the indictment do I need to file a defense?

The defense period is within 15 days from the date of receipt, and the defendant can either submit a written defense or give an oral defense in court.

Q2: What will happen if I don't attend the court hearing?

The court may issue a judgment in absentia. Those who refuse to appear in court without a valid reason after being summoned twice can be detained and brought to court by force.

Q3: What should I do if I have objections to the jurisdiction of the court?

During the defense period, a written application for jurisdiction objection shall be submitted, and the court shall review and rule on it.

Q4: How long after the divorce is finalized can the other party file a lawsuit again?

If there are no new circumstances or reasons within six months, the case cannot be prosecuted again. However, it can be prosecuted again after six months.

Q5: Is it necessary to hire a lawyer to respond to a lawsuit?

It is recommended to entrust a lawyer for cases involving complex assets and custody disputes; for simple disputes, you can defend yourself, but you must pay close attention to the procedural deadlines.

This case is handled by Beijing Henglu Law FirmXiong BinrongThe attorney (practice certificate number: 11101202211410897, subject to the certificate issued by the judicial administrative organ) acts as the agent.

The above content is based on the compilation of judicial practices in the Beijing area. The facts of individual cases and the jurisdiction of the court may affect the conclusions. Welcome to consult Henglu Law Firm for specific situations.

If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the evidence materials, to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Divorce litigation legal services·Beijing Henglue Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and open adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If a dispute arises, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.