Murrieta Contested Divorce Lawyer

Representing the Best Interests of Your Family

At Penna Coker APLC, A Family Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to our Murrieta clients facing the challenges of contested divorces. Our experienced team of attorneys specializes in family law matters, and we are here to guide you through the complex process of a contested divorce in California. If you're looking for a Murrieta contested divorce lawyer who will fight for your rights and interests, you've come to the right place.

Call Penna Coker APLC, A Family Law Firm, today at (951) 900-3342 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our contested divorce attorney in Murrieta! We serve clients from Menifee, Temecula, San Diego, Riverside, Lake Elsinore, Coachella Valleyand surrounding areas.

What is a Contested Divorce?

A contested divorce is a legal process in which the spouses cannot settle on one or more issues related to their divorce, such as spousal support, child custody, property division, or debt allocation. Unlike an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all aspects, a contested divorce often involves disputes and disagreements that require resolution through the court system.

Contested divorces can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. Having a skilled Murrieta contested divorce lawyer by your side is crucial to protect your rights and help you navigate the legal process effectively.

Contested Divorce Requirements in California

To initiate a contested divorce in California, specific requirements must be met:

• Residency Requirements: Either you or your spouse must have been a resident of California for at least six months and a resident of the county where you plan to file for divorce for at least three months.
• Grounds for Divorce: California is a no-fault divorce state, which means you do not need to prove fault or wrongdoing by your spouse to obtain a divorce. The only grounds for divorce in California are irreconcilable differences that have caused an irreparable marriage breakdown.
• Filing a Petition: The spouse initiating the divorce must file a Petition for Divorce (also known as a Complaint) with the appropriate California court. The other spouse is then served with the divorce papers.
• Response: The non-filing spouse has 30 days to respond to the divorce petition. If they fail to respond within the specified timeframe, the court may proceed with the divorce by default.
• Discovery and Negotiation: In contested divorces, both parties may engage in the discovery process, which involves gathering and exchanging information about assets, debts, income, and other relevant matters.
• Court Proceedings: When disputes cannot be resolved through negotiations or mediation, the court will schedule hearings and proceedings to address issues such as child custody, property division, spousal support, and child support. Each party will present their case, and a judge will decide based on the evidence.

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?

The duration of a contested divorce in California can vary depending on multiple factors, including the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation between the spouses. A contested divorce can take several months to years to resolve. Factors that can influence the timeline include:

• Complexity of Issues: The more issues in dispute, such as child custody, alimony, and property division, the longer the divorce process will likely take.
• Court Caseload: The availability of court dates and the court's backlog of cases can affect the timeline.
• Spouse Cooperation: If both parties are willing to work together and negotiate in good faith, the process may be expedited through mediation or settlement negotiations.
• Legal Representation: A skilled Murrieta contested divorce lawyer can streamline the process by ensuring that all legal requirements are met and advocating for your best interests.
• Court Hearings: The scheduling of court hearings, including trial dates, can significantly impact the timeline.

Contact Our Murrieta Contested Divorce Attorney Today

At Penna Coker APLC, A Family Law Firm, we understand the complexities and challenges of contested divorces in California. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the guidance and legal representation you need during this difficult time. Your future is important; we are here to help you confidently move forward.

Contact Penna Coker APLC, A Family Law Firm, today to schedule a consultation with our contested divorce lawyer in Murrieta! We serve clients from Menifee, Temecula, San Diego, Riverside, Lake Elsinore, Coachella Valley and surrounding areas.