A prove-up hearing is a short hearing before a judge when the case is uncontested, such as when it has been settled by agreement or default. In a default case, the other party doesn't appear to contest the matter. In a divorce, the petitioning spouse may be unable to locate the other spouse and get the court's permission to serve them by publication in a newspaper. If after the required period of publication, the other party doesn't appear to contest the divorce, a default may be filed. A prove-up hearing is typically used in divorce cases to request approval of the property settlement agreement and custodial arrangements. Prove-up hearings vary by state and county, so local law in your area should be consulted for specific requirements.
