In Re the Marriage of Thompson

Margaret Thompson (respondent below) appeals the denial of her motion to vacate a default judgment taken against her in this dissolution action. A rather detailed procedural history of the case is necessary to explain why the default was entered.

Wife is a citizen of the United Kingdom and has lived in the United States since 1968. She and respondent Michael Thompson (petitioner below) were married in 1969 and have two children, Hope (d.o.b. 1/5/73) and Amy (d.o.b. 5/11/75). Husband petitioned for dissolution of the marriage on October 12, 1978. Wife's then attorney, Blair Paul, accepted…