A contested divorce can be a challenging legal matter that requires legal representation and the skill of an experienced attorney. At The Law Office of Stephanie White, our contested divorce attorneys in Simi Valley help clients navigate the major issues and complexities of contested divorces. Our skilled family law attorneys will work tirelessly to protect your rights and interests throughout the dissolution process.
Our Experienced Contested Divorce Lawyers
If you're facing a contested divorce in Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch, Woodland Hills, Ventura County, or Los Angeles County, the seasoned attorneys at The Law Office of Stephanie White are here to help. Our team understands the complexities of contested divorce and can help clients like you navigate legal issues including child custody, child and spousal support, and division of property.
We don’t do cookie cutter law. Your case is absolutely unique. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and goals and develop a legal strategy to get there. Our contested divorce attorneys have decades of experience representing clients in contentious divorces and are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for them. Trust us to guide you through this difficult process with compassion and skill.
Common Legal Issues in Contested Divorce Cases with Which We Can Assist
At The Law Office of Stephanie White, we can assist with all aspects of divorce, including:
- Child Custody: Disputes over child custody can be emotional and challenging. Our attorneys can help you achieve a parenting plan that works for the parties, their unique situation, and prioritizes the best interests of minor children.
- Child Support: Calculating child support seems simple, but navigating the inputs and categories of financial specifics needed to get an accurate calculation can be confusing and difficult. Our attorneys can help you understand your obligations and ensure both temporary and permanent support calculations are accurate and fair.
- Spousal Support: Determining spousal support (which used to be called “alimony”) is also complicated. Sometimes you use a calculation program and sometimes you look to 14 financial factors of your marriage and separation and come up with a good number. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and obligations for temporary and permanent support and ensure that the support amount is fair and appropriate.
- Property Division: Dividing marital assets and debts can be a contentious issue. Our attorneys can help you navigate property division to make sure your assets are distributed fairly and that you are not the only one being stuck with the debt.
At The Law Office of Stephanie White, our compassionate attorneys can assist you with these and other important legal issues that may arise in a contested divorce case. We will work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family while always keeping your best interests in mind
The Legal Process of Contested Divorce in California
A contested divorce is a legal process that occurs in divorces when the parties cannot agree on the terms and resolve major issues in the dissolution of marriage. The process involves several steps, including:
- Filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce): The first step in any divorce is to file a Petition with the Court. The Petition and Summons outline the grounds for divorce and what each party wants when it is finalized. These pleadings (documents) also give the Court the authority and jurisdiction to make orders for the parties.
- Temporary Orders: In some cases, temporary orders may be necessary to establish child custody, child support, and spousal support arrangements while the paperwork in the divorce is still being put together and parties are negotiating.
- Discovery Process: During the discovery process, both parties exchange information and evidence they have about the marriage and their current financial situation. This can include documents, testimony, and expert opinions.
- Settlement Negotiations: The parties should attempt to reach a settlement agreement on the major issues of the divorce. For parties in high conflict, having an attorney can help facilitate negotiations between the parties, or through mediation or collaborative divorce.
- Trial: For any issues that have not been settled, a trial can be held to have the Court hear evidence and argument from both parties and make the final decision. Sometimes trials are only for one or two issues, and sometimes the Court tries every issue in the case. Attorneys can help settle the easier issues and narrow the disagreements going to trial.
If you're going through a contested divorce in Ventura County or Los Angeles County, it is important to work with a team of attorneys who can guide you through every step of the complicated legal process. At The Law Office of Stephanie White, our attorneys have decades of experience in handling contested divorce cases. Our divorce lawyers will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.