FAMILY LAW ARTICLES

Contested Vs Uncontested Divorce Cases – Final Judgment in Divorce

Have you been wondering about the differences between a contested vs uncontested divorce in California? John Castellano, a partner with Hartley Lamas, sheds light on the key distinctions between contested versus uncontested divorce cases.

Whether you’re navigating the complexities of family law or simply seeking a deeper understanding of divorce proceedings, this video is here to provide valuable insights. In any divorce case, the ultimate goal is to reach a final judgment. This encompasses critical aspects such as property and debt division, child custody and visitation orders, child support, spousal support, and potential restraining orders.

These provisions can be achieved through two primary methods: an agreement-based approach or a contested process, often referred to as litigation, which eventually leads to a trial conducted in court.

If you have any questions or want to speak with a skilled family law attorney about your divorce case, contact Hartley, Lamas, Et Al today at (833) 647-2377. From custody laws to settlement agreements, we provide comprehensive legal support tailored to your needs.

Transcript:
Today I’m talking about contested vs uncontested divorce cases. Hi, I’m John Castellano. I’m a partner with Hartley Lamas Et Al.

Divorce Cases in California: Final Judgment

Every divorce case has one common objective: to reach a final judgment. The final judgment in a divorce case contains all of your final orders. That would include the division of property and debt, parenting orders for child custody and visitation, and child support and spousal support provisions, if those are appropriate in your case, and also restraining orders, if those are appropriate for your case.

By Agreement or Through Litigation

All of these provisions are in the final judgment and they can be reached one of two basic ways. By agreement between the parties or through a contested process, often referred to as litigation. And that would be ultimately conducted by a trial conducted in court.

Outcomes By Agreement

Generally, it’s always going to be best to approach your case, at least initially, by trying to reach outcomes by agreement, and that’s usually going to be less costly than litigation. It’s generally going to be quicker than litigation, if you can reach things by agreement. And it’s going to put the parties in greater control of the outcome, if they can reach outcomes by agreement.

Litigation

It’s not always possible, however, to agree on all issues, and so litigation sometimes cannot be avoided, and sometimes litigation is going to result in the best outcome for a party. Sometimes people cannot cooperate with one another, and sometimes they can reach a better outcome through litigation than the result that they’re going to get by agreement.And it’s just going to be a better approach for them to litigate the matter.

The Role of Your Attorney

It’s the job of your attorney to assist you, not only with the approach to your entire case, but on each individual issue, as to what approach you should be taking to your case.

Legal Help With Your Divorce Case in California

If you need assistance in deciding what approach to take to your case, please contact us at the links below.