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.

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.

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.

Call (949) 565-4158 for a free consultation with a Newport Beach contested divorce lawyer from Burch Shepard Family Law Group.