What happens if I don't respond to a summons by publication?

The court can enter a default judgment against you, granting the petitioner the requested divorce and property orders.

Where do I file an answer to this petition?

File your answer in the District Court of Love County before July 2, 2026; contact the court clerk for filing procedures.

Who is the petitioner's attorney and how can they be reached?

Valley Law Partners, PLLC — Jacob Heskett or Mary Beth Heskett at (405) 238-4460 or the listed emails.

Court Notice — 215 N. Walnut, Pauls Valley, OK (FD-2026-9)

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Dissolution of marriage

Affects:DefendantsGeneral Public

A petition for dissolution of marriage was filed by Patricia Phillips against Craig Robert Bachman in Love County District Court. Bachman is served by publication because his whereabouts are unknown; he must answer by July 2, 2026 or a default judgment may be entered.

Key Takeaways

Answer the petition by July 2, 2026 or risk default judgment
Action: dissolution of marriage and division of marital property
Service by publication — respondent's whereabouts unknown
Petitioner seeks separate property recognition and equitable distribution

Deadline · Response Deadline

July 2, 2026

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Published

May 21, 2026 · today

What to do next

1
File an answer with the court
Submit a written answer in Love County District Court on or before July 2, 2026 to avoid default.
2
Contact an attorney
If you are Craig Bachman, call a family law attorney immediately; petitioner's counsel contact: (405) 238-4460.
3
Contact the court clerk for instructions
Reach out to the Love County District Court clerk for filing rules and fee information before the July 2, 2026 deadline.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I don't respond to a summons by publication?: The court can enter a default judgment against you, granting the petitioner the requested divorce and property orders.
Where do I file an answer to this petition?: File your answer in the District Court of Love County before July 2, 2026; contact the court clerk for filing procedures.
Who is the petitioner's attorney and how can they be reached?: Valley Law Partners, PLLC — Jacob Heskett or Mary Beth Heskett at (405) 238-4460 or the listed emails.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Summons by publication: Court notice published in a newspaper when a person's location is unknown.
Default judgment: A court ruling in favor of the petitioner when the respondent fails to respond.
Dissolution of marriage: Legal termination of a marriage; commonly called divorce.

Full Notice Text

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF LOVE COUNTYSTATE OF OKLAHOMANOTICE OF PUBLICATIONCase No. FD-2026-9 IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF:PATRICIA ELIZABETH PHILLIPS,Petitioner, -and-CRAIG ROBERT BACHMAN, Respondent.   TO: Craig Robert Bachman:  PLEASE TAKE NOTICE  that a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you in the District Court of Love County, Oklahoma in the above entitled action, by the Petitioner, Patricia Phillips. This summons by publication is specifically directed to Craig Robert Bachman, whose whereabouts are unknown. The nature of this suit against you is in regards to a dissolution of your marriage to Patricia Phillips. The Petitioner is requesting a decree of Dissolution of Marriage; all separate property acquired by her prior to marriage and after separation; a fair and equitable division and distribution of the property accumulated by the parties, and such other and further relief to which Petitioner may be entitled.Unless you answer the petition on or before July 2, 2026 judgment will be taken in favor of Patricia Phillips and against you as previously specified.Issued this 28th day of April , 2026.WENDY HOLLAND, Court ClerkBy: /s/ Deputy Court ClerkJacob Heskett (OBA # 34156)   Mary Beth Heskett (OBA #35414)Valley Law Partners, PLLC215 N. WalnutPauls Valley, OK  73075Phone: (405) 238-4460jacobdheskett@gmail.commarybethheskett@gmail.com ATTORNEYS FOR PETITIONERFirst Publication: May 14, 2026Final Publication: May 28, 2026Sentinel