Back to Legal Terms >

Return Date

The Return Date is the date that is used to calculate when the initial paperwork starting a divorce, legal separation or annulment must be served and returned to court. The papers must be served 12 days before the Return Date and must be returned to court 6 days before the Return Date. The Return Date also commences the running of the 90-day waiting period before which you can finalize a divorce or legal separation.