Saturday, March 5, 2011

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A DIVORCE?

I frequently receive questions from people regarding their family law issues. The following is a question which the inquirer agreed may be publicly revealed, and my answer to the question:

QUESTION: How long does it take to get a divorce in California, and do you have to get a lawyer?

ANSWER: The soonest you could possibly be granted a divorce in California would be six (6) months from the date that the Petition and Summons are served on the Respondent.

However, it is unlikely that the divorce process would be completed that quickly unless the parties agree as to the resolution of all issues, exchange their requisite Declarations of Disclosure, and cooperate in expediting the resolution process, but be aware that it takes some time, varying from Court to Court, for the Court to process even a Stipulated Judgment.

If there are disputed issues, it usually takes quite a bit longer to resolve the case.

If you are in a rush to dissolve your marriage, you could seek a bifurcated judgment on marital status, reserving the balance of issues for further trial, but there are "dues" to pay for bifurcating marital status which may make doing so unpalatable. See my earlier blogs regarding bifurcation of marital status.

You don't have to get a lawyer in a divorce case, but you would be far better off if you retain an experienced Family Law Attorney to handle the case, advise you of your options and their consequences, assist you in making informed decisions, resolve issues through negotiation or litigation, and move the case along to its conclusion.

This educational blog is brought to you by DONALD F. CONVISER, a Los Angeles Certified Family Law Specalist, owner of Warner Center Law Offices in Woodland Hills in the San Fernando Valley, an effective and aggressive Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer serving clients in the courts of Los Angeles and Ventura County for over 35 years, offering a free confidential consultation regarding your divorce or family law issues, at 818/880-8990, www.conviser.net

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