San Jose Contested Divorce Lawyer
The divorce process is never a simple endeavor. The end of any relationship often involves intense emotions and upended lives. This is true even in uncontested divorces, but things can become much more difficult when former partners cannot reach an agreement on important matters. This can result in divorce proceedings — which could take as little as six months in a best-case scenario — potentially dragging on for years. Regardless of the underlying circumstances of your case, a contested divorce lawyer in San Jose, CA can prove invaluable.
At Argyris Mah, LLP, our California divorce law firm can assist in this process. If you believe settlement negotiations would be fruitful, we can help with mediation. And if litigation seems imminent, we will fight hard to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf. We can assist with navigating complex issues related to spousal support, child custody, child support, and community property issues. Don’t risk your future by trying to handle this on your own. Contact our San Jose contested divorce lawyers today for a consultation.
What Is a Contested Divorce?
A contested divorce occurs when the two parties to divorce proceedings cannot agree on everything. Even if you can reach an agreement on everything but one issue, your case is considered contested. This can greatly complicate the process of having your divorce petition granted. There are various reasons that the divorce process may be contested. The following are the most common disagreements:
- Child custody
- Child support
- Alimony (i.e., spousal support)
- Division of assets
These divorce-related issues frequently result in prolonged battles when a marriage ends. If you cannot reach an agreement on contested matters, then a California judge decides the specifics of your divorce decree. This can significantly increase the time it takes for a final judgment, and if you don’t have legal representation, it may prove challenging to get a fair outcome. Fortunately, it costs nothing to sit down for a consultation at Argyris Mah, LLP today.
Is It Possible to Reach an Agreement for an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce is the easiest way to end a marriage. However, the contested divorce process doesn’t always have to result in a case being dragged through court. The fact is that most soon-to-be-former spouses don’t agree on everything at first. When they initially decide to get a divorce, emotions can run high, and the primary focus of both parties may be to “win” the process. However, divorce mediation makes reaching an agreement for an uncontested divorce possible.
Put simply, a lawyer who offers mediation services does not represent either spouse — although if each spouse hires their own attorney, this is acceptable. The point of mediation is to reach an agreement that both parties can live with, and one that a court will approve. Divorce in California doesn’t have to be difficult, and if you can work things out with an attorney-mediator, they can then handle all the necessary legal paperwork.
Reach out to the San Jose contested divorce attorneys at Argyris Mah, LLP to discuss your options.
What Does the Contested Divorce Process Look Like?
Once divorce papers are served, things can get messy if court hearings are required to make certain determinations. The person who files for divorce and the other spouse will have to make their cases before a judge. California law will dictate how this plays out, but there are ways to secure a better outcome on your behalf. Our law firm can assist with this endeavor. However, the process may drag out since the following steps may be necessary:
- Filing answers and counter-complaints
- Submitting financial information
- Temporary hearings for issues like temporary orders of alimony
- Discovery (i.e., evidence gathering)
- Potential for court-ordered mediation
- Trial
- Final judgment
This process will decide all the issues you’re facing in a contested divorce. If at all possible, it’s best to avoid this process. Our contested divorce attorneys in San Jose, CA can help you better understand your options in this regard. However, we’re also ready to stand by your side if litigation is necessary. Contact us today to learn more.
Contact Our Contested Divorce Lawyers in San Jose, CA Today
When divorcing spouses agree on everything, ending a marriage can be a straightforward process. Unfortunately, this isn’t always how it works out. Even when examining uncontested divorce rates, many of these cases start out as contested. This is why you need experienced legal representation on your side. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, how property division in California works, and a wide array of other important matters. You don’t have to resolve these matters on your own. A legal professional can assist.
At Argyris Mah, LLP, we know how difficult it can be when one spouse doesn’t agree with the other on important issues. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean litigation will be necessary. Many divorce disputes can be figured out during mediation, and even if you each have your own attorney, it’s possible to work out an agreement before things get ugly in court. If litigation is unavoidable, though, our contested divorce lawyers in San Jose, CA can strive to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Contact us today by calling (408) 214-6366 to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help.
