Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California, and Board of Legal Specialization
The divorce process has earned a reputation of being high-conflict and hotly contested—unfortunately, conflicts are unavoidable in some cases. The good news is that a dedicated divorce attorney could help you reduce stress throughout the process.
If you are in need of a strong legal advocate while you separate from your spouse, your best chance of protecting your legal rights could lie with an experienced Agoura Hills contested divorce lawyer.
While the terms “contested” and “uncontested” divorce are commonly used, these titles are not found in state law. Instead, they are informal terms used to describe the two general types of divorce cases.
An uncontested divorce is one where the majority of issues have been resolved by the spouses beforehand. Uncontested divorces involve the cooperation of both spouses to simplify the process.
However, this collaborative approach is not always possible. In some cases, the spouses are so far apart on the issues that they cannot reach an agreement. When these disputes occur, it is up to the court to resolve them. A divorce is contested when the two parties litigate certain issues in their divorce case.
Whether or not a divorce is contested or uncontested, it is important to remember the value of strong legal counsel. A qualified attorney in Agoura Hills could provide valuable insight during a contested divorce case to help an individual verify they are being treated fairly through the process.
The issues and concerns that arise in contested divorces can vary. Some issues could involve property disputes, while others result from disputes regarding minor children. Some issues an experienced attorney could help seek a favorable outcome for in a contested divorce in Agoura Hills include the following:
One common reason a divorce might be contested is if the two parties have minor children. When parents divorce, it is not unusual for each of them to want legal custody of the children. This includes the right to determine where the child lives, as well as the rights associated with making important decisions in their lives. Parents may seek sole custody of a child or simply disagree on the best way to arrange joint custody.
Another part of a divorce that is often contentious is property division. While community property rules apply, the valuation of assets and the division of marital debts is often disputed in these cases.
Spousal support involves one former spouse making monthly monetary payments to the other. This support could be temporary, only lasting as long as the divorce proceedings continue. However, this obligation could also last long after the divorce is finalized. Spousal support disputes can lead to frustration among both spouses, especially when property division issues are also involved.
Despite your best efforts, it is possible that the dissolution of your marriage might result in significant conflict. When important issues like child custody or property division are contested, it is vital that you seek legal counsel to assist you.
An Agoura Hills contested divorce lawyer could help you protect your rights and ensure the court and your former spouse treats you fairly. Call now to learn more.
Hoffer Family Law Firm
