Contested Divorce Process
Our Divorce Attorneys Explain What to Expect
When a divorce case goes to trial, this is referred to as a contested divorce. This can prove to be a long and unpredictable process, which may last anywhere from several months to several years. At Moshtael Family Law, we try to help our clients avoid the stress and expense of a contested divorce through mediation or another collaborative approach, but this is not always possible. When it comes to a courtroom battle, our Orange County divorce attorneys fight tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights and interests.
The following is a general overview of the contested divorce process in California:
- First, the case is prepared, filed, and served. There is a 30-day time period to file a response, which may be extended or delayed for various legitimate reasons, depending on the case.
- Financial disclosure and discovery will be the second phase of the case, and this may take anywhere from three to nine months, again depending on the unique situation and whether either side attempts to strategically delay discovery for any reason.
- In some cases, the next step will be depositions, when each attorney asks divorcing spouses (and possibly other interested parties) questions and a court reporter notes everything down.
- In a contested divorce, the final trial typically takes about a day, but can range up to two weeks or even longer, depending on what specific issues must be ruled upon.
Court scheduling, personal preferences of a judge, and the legal strategies employed by both sides may all impact the length and manner in which a contested divorce is completed in California. Regardless of the nature of your divorce and the issues that must be resolved, you can rest assured that the Orange County divorce lawyers at Moshtael Family Law have the skill and resources to competently and cost-effectively handle your case.
