Before a divorce case can proceed to court, both parties must meet to discuss their intentions and assets. This meeting is known as a case management conference. This meeting can be conducted in person by the attorneys or via electronic correspondence. The divorce attorneys will also prepare a written schedule that must be approved by the judge. The divorce process then moves into the discovery phase, in which both parties must disclose their assets and incomes. It is during this phase that many clients are shocked to learn of hidden assets that were not previously disclosed.
Having an attorney represent your interests will provide you with peace of mind. They will fight for your best interests in the divorce process. They can also protect your rights and ensure that you receive a fair settlement. A lawyer can also help you navigate the court system and make sure the divorce process is as amicable as possible. For more information, visit www.orangecountydivorceattorneys.org/.
California has specific laws regarding divorce. The first is residency, so you must be a resident of California for at least six months. You must have also resided in the county where you are filing for the divorce for at least three months. Once you are able to meet these residency requirements, you can meet with a divorce attorney.
Divorce lawyers need to be approachable and responsive to your questions. They should be able to provide you with answers to your questions within a reasonable amount of time. However, keep in mind that divorce attorneys are not there to listen to your personal issues. If you are struggling with personal issues, a good divorce lawyer will advise you to seek counseling instead. The cost of seeing a therapist is considerably lower than the cost of hiring a divorce attorney.
While a divorce is technically possible without a lawyer, most experts do not recommend it. It is important to remember that divorce is often contested and a divorce lawyer provides protection for both sides. Even if you agree on all aspects of the divorce, you cannot expect a smooth process. Your spouse’s lawyer could be aggressive or make mistakes that can cripple you financially.
Oftentimes, the divorce process is complicated by other circumstances, such as interstate or international law. For example, if you have children, the other parent may not be able to visit you. There may be restraining orders involved, or a court may impose a no-visitation permitted order. If a parent is serving in the military, he or she may be prohibited from visiting his or her children.
When dividing assets during a divorce, family law considers many factors, including the number of children. It is important for the divorce lawyer to distinguish between separate and community property. Separate property is property that was acquired from a separate source and maintained separate during the marriage.