Petition
Although every divorce case is unique, the usual process of divorce begins by one spouse filing a petition. This person is called the petitioner. The petition sets out the legal and factual grounds for the divorce. The petitioner should state that he or she is a resident of the State of California and that he, she or the spouse has resided in the county where the divorce is being filed for the requisite period of time. The petition also sets out the legal grounds for divorce, whether they are fault-based or no-fault in nature. The petition is filed with the court and a copy is served on the respondent.
Response
Once the other spouse is served with the petition, he or she has 30 days to file a response. This response is the formal answer to the petition. Once a response is filed, he or she is referred to as the respondent. The response signifies that the respondent wants to participate in the divorce proceedings. If the respondent does not file the response within the 30-day time limit, the case still proceeds. However, this is done without the respondent’s participation.
Judgment or Discovery
If the respondent did not file a response, the petitioner prepares a judgment and submits it to the court for approval. The judgment will likely mirror the requests included in the petition, such as how the petitioner wants to handle custody, visitation, spousal support, child support and the division of property. In California, the divorce becomes final six months and a day after the date of service. This time period is referred to as the waiting period.
If the respondent did provide a response, the parties exchange information pursuant to the discovery process. Interrogatories ask the spouse to answer other questions while requests for production asks the spouse to provide the other with relevant information, such as financial disclosures and information about property and income. Depositions may also be taken on the parties, which is a recorded question and answer session with the parties and other witnesses.
Order to Show Cause
If one or both of the spouses want the court to make immediate orders before the divorce is finalized, he or she can file an Order to Show Cause. This document sets out the wishes of one of the parties. The court schedules a hearing and hears testimony and examines evidence regarding such matters as child custody, visitation, temporary spousal support, child support or a request for a no contact order. Orders may also be made that prohibit the spouses’ actions toward their property. Both spouses appear in court and testify about why the court should or should not make the requested order.
Settlement Conference
Usually, the court schedules a mandatory settlement conference before the date of trial. During this conference, the parties are expected to meet with each other and their attorneys in order to settle the case. If they cannot settle everything, they can still settle certain issues so that the court does not have to hear information on uncontested issues.
If the spouses are able to reach a full agreement, the attorneys draft a marital settlement agreement and a judgment. The divorce becomes final six months and one day after the date the Respondent was served. If the spouses are not able to reach a full settlement, the case is set for trial.
Trial
Each of the attorneys presents evidence and arguments at the trial. After the judge hears testimony and reviews evidence, he or she makes an order regarding the contested issues. The attorneys review the judgment and the judge signs it. The divorce is final after the waiting period has been fulfilled.
Modification of Orders
Some orders cannot be modified or changed, such as orders involving the division of property or awarding attorney’s fees. However, other orders may be modified such as orders involving the children, custody, visitation, child support and spousal support. In order to modify the order, one of the spouses must file a petition to modify the order and then repeat the process.
Do I have to retain an attorney?
Retaining a qualified attorney is always a good idea, because it ensures that you will have adequate legal representation to take your case and push it through the court system. While this does create expense, having proper representation can assure you just results and avoid inequities which may result if you are not represented.
Getting good practical legal advice and a personalized “road map” are always recommended to start your divorce properly and also help you through any hurdles you may encounter. At the Saghera Law Group, we empower you with the knowledge and options you will need so you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family.
Do I have to go to court?
No. Here in California there is required paperwork that must be filed with the court, but there is no requirement that you actually appear in court. Depending on your situation, we may be able to avoid court by entering into a marital settlement agreement which resolves all issues and avoids the expense and emotional trauma of appearing in court. At the Saghera Law Group, we can help you with consultation, mediation or other services to fit your specific needs. If court intervention is required, you will receive aggressive representation. Call for an appointment today.
Contact the Saghera Law Group Today
If you are considering divorce, are involved in a disagreement over custody or have other family law related issues, we invite you contact us to discuss your situation. Your choice of counsel can be the single most important decision you make that will guide the course and path of your family law matter. We are here to help and guide you through this process and help you find a solution to your current troubles.