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The Divorce Process: What to Expect for Your Divorce in Beverly Hills
Every divorce is different, so it is not possible to know exactly what to expect for your divorce without consulting a Beverly Hills divorce attorney and discussing the details of your case; however, the divorce process follows a basic structure.
Here are the main steps of how to file for divorce in California:
- File for Divorce & Pay the Fees – You can either pick up a divorce packet from the court clerk, or download them online. Fill out all required paperwork (it's highly recommended that you have a lawyer to assist you) and return them to the court clerk. You must pay the required fees to file the papers and receive copies.
- Serve Your Spouse – Once you've filed for divorce, copies of the divorce papers, or "Petition and Summons," must be served to your spouse. The person who filed the divorce papers cannot do it themselves. Rather, it can be done by either a process server, a Sheriff's Deputy, or by a trusted individual who is at least 18 years old. Once your spouse has been served, the person who served them must file the proper "Proofs of Service" paperwork with the court.
- Response to the Divorce Summons – After divorce papers have been served, the recipient or "Respondent" must file a response with the court within 30 days.
- Discovery – After divorce papers have been filed, but before going to court (or alternatives to court), both parties must disclose information and documents relating to assets, property, and anything else that is necessary to prepare for negotiations and/or trial.
- Mediation and/or Litigation – Some uncontested divorce cases can be resolved out of court through mediation, collaborative law, or alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Contested cases will need to be litigated in court so that a judge can make the final decisions on the division of assets, child custody, support, etc.
- Your Divorce is Finalized – Once all matters are decided, either through mutual agreement or by a judge, the divorce can be finalized. This is done by a judge, who must approve and sign the final judgment.
Alternatives to Divorce Court
Not all divorces must go to court. Some divorces can be achieved out-of-court through alternatives to trial, such as mediation, collaborative law, or alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Call Our Beverly Hills Family Lawyer – (310) 945-2727
Feinberg & Waller, APC is a recognized and respected divorce law firm in Beverly Hills. You can trust our team to handle your case with discretion, care, and professionalism. We are experienced with high-asset divorce matters, including division of businesses and pensions, and are prepared to keep you informed throughout the course of your divorce process.
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation with a divorce attorney in Beverly Hills. Call (310) 945-2727!