Beverly Hills Contested Divorce Attorney

What Is a Contested Divorce?

When a couple decides to divorce, they must make a number of important decisions about how to divide their property, how to handle their debts, and how to handle their children. If they can agree on these issues, they can file an uncontested divorce, which is a much simpler and less expensive process. However, if they cannot agree, they will need to go to court and have a judge make these decisions for them. This is called a contested divorce.

Contested divorce issues can include:

• Child custody and visitation
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Property division
• Debt division

At Cary Goldstein, Esq., PC, we understand that contested divorces can be stressful and emotionally draining. Our Beverly Hills contested divorce lawyer is here to help you through the process and fight for your best interests. We have over 20 years of experience and have handled thousands of cases. We are prepared to put our extensive knowledge and skill to work for you.

Call us today at (310) 935-0711 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our contested divorce attorney in Beverly Hills.

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in California?

There is no set timeline for a contested divorce in California. The length of the process will depend on a number of factors, including how many issues are in dispute, how complex those issues are, and how willing the parties are to work together to reach an agreement. In some cases, a contested divorce can be resolved in a few months. In other cases, it can take a year or more.

What Are the Steps in a Contested Divorce?

The steps in a contested divorce will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. However, the following is a general outline of the process:

1. File the Petition – The first step in a contested divorce is to file a petition with the court. The petition will state the grounds for the divorce and what the petitioner is asking for in terms of child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and debt division.
2. Respond to the Petition – Once the petition is filed, the other spouse will have a certain amount of time to respond. The response will state what the respondent agrees with and what the respondent disagrees with.
3. Discovery – After the petition and response are filed, the parties will go through the discovery process. This is where they will exchange information and documents related to their finances and their children.
4. Settlement Negotiations – Once the discovery process is complete, the parties will try to negotiate a settlement. If they are able to reach an agreement, they will submit it to the court for approval. If they are not able to reach an agreement, they will go to trial.
5. Trial – At trial, each party will present evidence and arguments to support their position. The judge will then make a decision on the issues that are in dispute.
6. Appeal – If one of the parties is not happy with the judge’s decision, they can appeal. If there is no appeal, the judge’s decision will be final.

How to Prepare for a Contested Divorce

Going through a contested divorce can be a long and difficult process. However, there are some things you can do to make it easier:

• Get organized. You will need to gather a lot of information and documents related to your finances and your children. The more organized you are, the easier it will be to find what you need.
• Get support. Going through a contested divorce can be stressful and emotionally draining. It is important to have people you can talk to and lean on for support.
• Get a lawyer. A contested divorce is a complex legal process. It is important to have an experienced contested divorce attorney in Los Angeles on your side who can protect your rights and fight for your best interests.

What Is the Difference Between a Contested Divorce and an Uncontested Divorce?

The main difference between a contested divorce and an uncontested divorce is whether the parties can agree on the issues that need to be resolved. In an uncontested divorce, the parties can agree on how to divide their property, how to handle their debts, and how to handle their children. If they can agree, they can file an uncontested divorce, which is a much simpler and less expensive process. If they cannot agree, they will need to go to court and have a judge make these decisions for them. This is called a contested divorce.

What Are My Rights in a Contested Divorce?

In a contested divorce, you have the right to have a judge make decisions about how to divide your property, how to handle your debts, and how to handle your children. You also have the right to present evidence and arguments to support your position. Finally, you have the right to appeal if you are not happy with the judge’s decision.

What Are the Effects of a Contested Divorce on Children?

Going through a contested divorce can be difficult for children. They may feel like they are caught in the middle and that they have to choose between their parents. They may also feel like they are to blame for the divorce. In addition, they may have to move to a new home, go to a new school, and make new friends. All of these changes can be stressful and overwhelming. However, there are some things you can do to help your children through the process:

• Reassure them. Let your children know that the divorce is not their fault and that you and your spouse still love them.
• Keep their routine. Try to keep your children’s routine as normal as possible. This will help them feel safe and secure.
• Get them support. If your children are having a hard time dealing with the divorce, it may be helpful to get them support from a therapist or counselor.

At Cary Goldstein, Esq., PC, we can help you with all aspects of a contested divorce, including:

• Preparing and filing the petition
• Responding to the petition
• Discovery
• Settlement negotiations
• Mediation
• Trial
• Appeal

Our Beverly Hills contested divorce attorney is here to answer all of your questions and guide you through the process from start to finish.

Call us today at (310) 935-0711 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our contested divorce attorney in Beverly Hills.