A Divorce Lawyer in Riverside, California
♫ Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010Finding good divorce lawyers can be a very involved and lengthy process, but it is important to make the right decision. A divorce lawyer will be the one to represent your case in front of a judge, and he or she should realize your best interest during the proceedings. Because of everything involved in a divorce, from property settlements to child custody and visitation rights, there is no reason why you should not hire a competent attorney.
Eligibility for Divorce in California
Before contacting a divorce lawyer in California, it is important to determine if one is eligible for the process in this state. All states have a requirement that a person must be a resident in the state for a period of time before he or she is allowed to file for divorce in that state. In some cases, this period of residency may only be six months, but other states may require residency for up to one year before divorce can be filed. Once eligibility to file is determined, it is time to contact an Irvine divorce lawyer to offer assistance through the process.
What is Decided
There are a number of decisions that will go into a final divorce settlement, which is why a divorce lawyer is essential to ensuring that the settlement gets finalized correctly and to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Decisions will include spousal and child support, a division of the marital assets and debts, and custody and visitation of the children. In some cases, both spouses will agree on each of these terms, allowing the divorce process to go through as quickly and painlessly as possible. In other situations, one or more of these factors will need to be agreed upon through a mediation process that will help ensure that each spouse gets a fair shake.
Time for the Process
Because there are many factors that go into a final divorce settlement, this process is rarely a quick one. In California, the earliest that a divorce can be finalized is six months after the Petition is filed and served. However, this six-month benchmark is not always reached in a timely basis, particularly if disagreements have to be mediated or problems arise during the process.
Court Appearances
Some spouses worry about a court appearance during divorce proceedings, but this is not always a necessary step. However, if disputes arise, both spouses may be required to appear in court to iron out differences in front of a judge. This may be particularly true when disagreements arise over child custody or visitation. Divorce is an emotionally and financially draining process, but it helps to have someone in your court throughout the process. This is where an experienced Irvine divorce lawyer comes into play. If you are beginning the divorce process, contact an attorney to help you through.
The Law Offices of Julie M. Hill is a client-centered family law firm of experienced divorce and collaborative lawyers practicing in Riverside and throughout the Inland Empire. Julie M. Hill is a Certified Family Law Specialist, a certification given only to attorneys who have completed rigorous training, successfully passed an additional bar exam and obtained outstanding peer recommendation. Contact this law firm in Riverside, CA for your specific legal needs.
