Contested Divorce
Backed by 100+ Years' Experience
Newport Beach Contested Divorce Lawyer
Experienced Contested Divorce Attorneys in Orange County
In the state of California, there are two basic types of divorce proceedings. The first, an uncontested divorce, is settled outside the courtroom through negotiation or mediation. The second, a contested divorce, is settled inside the courtroom through litigation.
At Burch Shepard Family Law Group, we handle both contested and uncontested divorces, helping each client find the path to resolution that is best suited to their present and future goals. Contact us online or call us at (949) 565-4158 to get started today.
What Does Contested Mean in a Divorce?
A contested divorce means that the spouses are unable to agree on key issues in the divorce, such as child custody/support, spousal support and property division, and a judge will ultimately make the decision regarding these issues. Due to this added complexity, the divorce process will likely take much longer than an uncontested divorce.
Reasons for a Contested Divorce
Though the majority of California divorce cases are settled out of court, this is not always possible. Sometimes litigation is the only way to pursue a satisfactory outcome.
These are some common reasons for a contested divorce:
Allegations of abuse.
Unwillingness to work together.
Extreme levels of emotional volatility.
Strong disagreement over the division of assets.
Inability to compromise in regard to the placement of children.
Oftentimes, it is hard to discern at the outset whether a contested divorce or an uncontested divorce is the best fit for your situation. Few divorce scenarios are simple. This is why the counsel of an experienced Newport Beach contested divorce lawyer is so valuable.
How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in California?
The amount of time it takes to finalize a contested divorce depends on 1) how quickly the spouses are able to wrap up the discovery process and 2) the court’s availability for the trial.
Benefits of Hiring a Contested Divorce Attorney
Going through a contested divorce can be emotionally and legally complex. Hiring an experienced contested divorce attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our team at Burch Shepard Family Law Group understands the intricacies of contested divorces and can provide the expertise and support you need during this challenging time.
Benefits of hiring an experienced Newport Beach contested divorce attorney include:
Legal expertise and guidance
Negotiation and mediation skills
Protection of your rights and interests
Reduced stress and emotional burden
Faster resolution of disputes
Don't navigate a contested divorce alone. Contact our Newport Beach contested divorce attorney today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Skill & Efficiency Make a Difference – Contact Our Newport Beach Contested Divorce Attorney Today
At Burch Shepard Family Law Group, our Newport Beach contested divorce attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of that experience goes towards securing the results you're after. We have helped many clients avoid the costs and strain of litigation altogether, and we have helped many others triumph in the courtroom. In either case, you'll find our legal knowledge and in-depth familiarity with Orange County courts to be a tremendous asset.
“Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey!”
I just wanted to send you a HUGE thank you for all of your support through this process. I am thrilled with the outcome today and so relieved that this is coming to a close. Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey.
Former Client
“I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
“They made the divorce process so much less stressful than it could have been. I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
Former Client
“A brilliantly educated pit bull”
“True brilliance in action is a site to behold. At this point I am comfortable with everything she was able to help me with, and I know that she will be the first call I make, if I have any other future issues that require the courts intervention.”
Former Client
“THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING.”
I am thankful for a attorney Robert, for his wonderful representation. His professionalism, and the way he carries himself with so much authority and knowledge is making this process run Smoothly. The delay in the process has given my children and I time, space, peace of mind and the healing we needed so much, thank you. God knows the right timing and the right results and He sends us the right persons to work things out. You are all a team of wonderful people. Thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Divorce
Do I Have to be a California Resident to Divorce Here?
To file for divorce, you must be able to prove California residency for six months and residency in the county where you file for at least three months. The respondent or "defendant" spouse in a divorce case does not have to be a California resident, however.
What are Some of the Key Early Steps in the Divorce Process, and How Long Does it Take?
Divorce proceedings begin when either spouse files a petition that is served on the other. The person served then has 30 days to file a response, or the case proceeds without that response toward a likely final judgment about six months later.
If there is a response, the parties begin the process of exchanging information and, typically, attempting to negotiate a marital settlement agreement either on their own or in a mandatory conference in court. Every case is different, and the entire process can take anywhere from months to several years.
Do I Need to Prove My Spouse Is at Fault for Causing the Divorce?
No. California is a "no fault" divorce state. Grounds for divorce are not considered, although the court may consider many factors when issuing orders on child custody and other issues.
How Do I Get Started if I Have Decided I Want a Divorce — or a Legal Separation?
Our divorce attorneys strongly encourage you to contact an experienced, qualified lawyer — ideally, one who focuses exclusively on family law. Pursuing a do-it-yourself divorce is legal but filled with traps and potential complications.
At the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, our Orange County divorce lawyers have guided many hundreds of men and women through divorces of all levels of complexity. We emphasize preparation and results, always putting our clients' needs and best interests first.
