In California, Dissolution of marriage ("Divorce") ends a marriage or domestic partnership. After the divorce is final, the parties are restored to single status. During this process, the Court can issue orders about:
- Child Visitation
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Community Property
- Separate Property
- Community Debt
- Separate Debt
- Summary Dissolution
- Restoring Wife’s Last Name
- Spousal and Domestic Partner Support
If you are the person who is filing for divorce, you are the “petitioner.” The other party is the “respondent.” The respondent must be served with a specific set of paperwork. The respondent then has 30 days to file the necessary responding paperwork, or the petitioner may request an entry of default from the court. The divorce proceeding can then proceed without the participation of the respondent.
When the respondent files the required responding paperwork, the case moves forward as a contested or uncontested divorce.
With a contested divorce: If the Parties (petitioner and respondent) are unable to agree on some or all issues, then the court will settle all unresolved issues. Once all of the issues are settled, a Judgment is submitted and signed by the judge when everything is complete. If there are contested issues concerning the children of the marriage, property or debts, an experienced Fresno Divorce Attorney should handle all of the details for a contested divorce.
In an uncontested divorce the: The Parties are able to agree on all issues, and Judgement is filed and signed by the Judge when complete. Often times, a Fresno divorce attorney is not needed for an uncontested divorce.
Obviously, this is a very brief definition of a Divorce. If you are either facing divorce, or are already in the thick of one, be sure to consult with a qualified Fresno divorce attorney to ensure you are taking the steps to protect yourself, your property, and your kids. To schedule a no obligation consultation, call
(559)222-4891.
