Our Whittier family lawyers have assisted clients with contested divorces for many years. An experienced divorce lawyer is a valuable component to a divorce in which the parties cannot reach an amicable agreement about material elements of the petition for divorce. We strive to maintain a peaceful environment during these often tense negotiations, but will not succumb to pressure from the opposing counsel to concede on a point of the divorce that is important to his client. Our divorce lawyers will work to quickly resolve disagreements about the divorce so their clients can transition through this stressful period of their life.

General Information about a Contested Divorce in Whittier

Unlike an uncontested divorce in which the parties basically agree on the material terms of the dissolution of their marriage, contested divorces occur when the parties are not in agreement about some material term. Some items that the couple may not agree on include:

• Child custody
• Child visitation schedule
• Amount of child support to pay
• Spousal support
• Division of property
• Value of particular items
• Distribution of debt

A divorce is not considered “contested” simply because one party does not want to be divorced. California is a no-fault state and does not require both parties to agree to be divorced before the court will grant the divorce decree. In order to have a contested divorce, the petitioner must file a response disagreeing with the proposed terms in the petition for divorce within 30 days from the date that he or she was served. Whether you received an answer back from divorce papers that you served or if you want to contest the divorce papers that you received, contact our Whittier contested divorce attorneys to help protect your rights.

Contested Divorce Proceedings in Whittier

In contested divorce cases, the petitioner or respondent will set a trial date for a judge to make decisions regarding the divorce. The couple may be able to enter mediation or negotiations to come to a conclusion prior to the court date in order to avoid the additional time and expense of a trial. The respondent and petitioner will complete a final Declaration of Disclosure and serve it upon the other party at least 45 days before the trial date. Before the trial date, your attorney will help you complete and file all of the court mandated forms that are applicable to your case.

Experienced Contested Divorce Attorneys in Whittier

Having an experienced divorce attorney is important in divorce cases, but it is even more important in contested divorce cases. Contested divorce cases can quickly crumble into a series of heated disputes regarding every aspect of the divorce. Our skilled divorce attorneys can help keep the focus on the important aspects of the divorce. A seasoned California lawyer can also help identify all of the assets in the divorce so that his client is not deprived of his or her rightful share. If you are going through a contested divorce or anticipate that your petition for divorce will be contested, then contact our Whittier Divorce Lawyers at (866) 630-5757.