Our Lawyers Handle Contentious Divorces in San Diego
Discuss Your Contested or Uncontested Divorce with a San Diego Lawyer
Ending your marriage may be the hardest decision you will ever make. If your divorce is amicable, you may be able to go your separate ways soon enough. But if your divorce is contentious, you have to worry about issues such as dividing property, child custody, and alimony.
Mattis Law, A.P.C., is a San Diego divorce law firm. We have years of experience, giving our team the knowledge and qualifications to obtain a favorable outcome in the most complicated of divorce cases. Contact our office at (858) 328-4400 today to set up a free consultation.
What Is an Uncontested Divorce?
Divorce is never easy. It can, however, be less painful if two spouses can come together and mutually decide on how to move forward. Spouses may file for an uncontested California divorce when they agree on all of the terms. The process may be completed in as little as six months.
There are several benefits to filing for an uncontested divorce. One lawyer can handle the case on behalf of both parties, which will drastically reduce the legal fees. Working together also moves the process along quickly, spares children from having to endure court evaluations or trial hearings, and saves both parties from having to publicly disclose financial and personal information.
Our team at Mattis Law, A.P.C., can sit down with both parties and come up with a specific plan to handle all aspects of the dissolution, including child custody, alimony, property division, and other important issues. As experienced family law attorneys, we will help both parties avoid future conflicts by addressing issues you may have not thought to include in your settlement, such as tax issues, custody for vacation, and the potential move-away of a child from California. There are many legal forms that must be completed correctly in order to avoid delays. We ensure that all documents are filed in a timely manner to expedite your case and to help you move on as quickly as possible.
This process is ideal for parting spouses who do not have a great deal of animosity towards one another or couples who are not dealing with domestic violence issues in their marriage. If yours is a situation which cannot be resolved amicably, you will need to file for a contested divorce instead.
When a Divorce Is Contested, You Need Strong Legal Help
California divorces may drag on for years. Your status as a single person will not be restored until your divorce order is finalized. You must continue to file taxes jointly and you may not re-marry. The official process begins once you or your spouse files a Petition for Divorce, and a six-month waiting period begins. This means the court cannot order the divorce any earlier than six months from the petition's filing. The other party will file a response to the petition during this six-month waiting period, and both parties will attempt to reach a Marital Settlement Agreement. If issues such as child custody and support are disputed, then either side may file a request to establish temporary arrangements. Both parties must disclose their financial assets and debts during this process. Each side's attorney will also be allowed to ask the other side questions that must be answered, known as "discovery." A trial date will be set if the spouses are unable to reach an agreement by the end of the six-month waiting period.
Highly Respected San Diego Law Firm Providing Quality Representation
Mattis Law, A.P.C., specializes in complicated divorce matters. Our office has long-standing relationships with accountants, financial planners, property appraisers, child welfare advocates, and other professionals whose expert opinions may be required during divorce trials. Our legal team will ensure that your property is valued correctly, that your spouse does not try to hide assets, and that your children are taken care of. If emergency spousal support is an issue, or a temporary protection order is needed, we will immediately file the paperwork necessary to ensure that your well-being is protected.
There are numerous lawyers in the San Diego area, and it can be difficult to distinguish one from another. With years of experience, our firm has a reputation for helping clients achieve results that other attorneys previously said were not possible. If you are ready to move on with your life, contact us today and set up a free consultation at (858) 328-4400.
Each client is able to enjoy the benefits of our dedication; our work as San Diego divorce attorneys speaks for itself. In addition to San Diego, we service Del Mar, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and La Jolla.