Orange County Divorce Lawyer

Experienced Representation for Divorce Cases in California 

Navigating a divorce can be overwhelming, whether a sudden decision or one you’ve contemplated for some time. At Gill Law Group, PC, we understand the complexities of divorce and are dedicated to providing you with the support and guidance you need. Our firm specializes in divorce-related issues, from high net worth and military divorces to child custody and property division. We also offer assistance with alternatives such as annulments and legal separations. No matter the unique circumstances of your case, our experienced Orange County divorce lawyers are here to protect your interests and ensure a smooth process. Explore how we can assist you every step of the way, and contact us for personalized support and expert legal representation.

Call Gill Law Group, PC today at (949) 681-9952 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our divorce attorney in Orange County!

Comprehensive Divorce Services and Alternatives in Orange County 

Did your spouse hand you divorce papers when you least expected it? Have you been planning on divorcing your spouse for a while now and are at last prepared to take the first step? Was the decision to dissolve your marriage mutual, but do you not know where to turn for support?

If you are considering filing for divorce in Orange County, please click below for more information on how our firm can assist you with the many potential facets of your case:

• High net worth divorce
• Military divorce
• Unjust divorce judgments
• Child custody
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Property division
• Visitation

We can also assist you with the following divorce alternatives:

• Annulment
• Legal separation

No matter the unique circumstances surrounding your divorce, our Orange County divorce lawyers at Gill Law Group, PC, will stand by you and protect your interests every step of the way. Call now to see how we can help you!

What Is a Contested Divorce?

A contested divorce is when couples aren’t in agreement on one or more issues surrounding the end of their marriage. This form of divorce can last for a prolonged period depending on the nature of each dispute and the agreeableness of each spouse.

Examples of common issues include:

• Division of property and debt
• Child support
• Spousal support (alimony)
• Visitation and custody of children

In many cases, there will not be a disagreement on every marital issue and couples can elect to bring only certain disputes in front of a judge. In all cases of divorce, couples can still seek to resolve issues outside of the courtroom. Agreeing on even a few subjects can save both parties the time, money, and stress associated with battling in court.

Requesting a Separate Trial for Individual Disputes

In some cases, spouses can request a separate trial for an individual dispute. This process is also known as “bifurcation” and can be a helpful tool when there are only one or two points of contention keeping a divorce from finalization. Requests for a separate trial are not granted automatically and you must convince a judge that doing so is justifiable. Our firm can review these requests with you to maximize the likelihood of their approval.

What Is the Contested Divorce Process?

In a contested divorce, the process involves several key steps:

1. Preparing, Filing, and Serving the Divorce Petition: You begin by preparing, filing, and serving the divorce petition to your spouse.
2. Discovery Process: Both you and your attorney gather relevant information and evidence for the proceedings during the "discovery" phase.
3. Submitting Legal Motions and Pre-Trial Hearings: You will submit legal motions and participate in pre-trial hearings to address any preliminary issues.
4. Settlement Proposals and Negotiations: Engage in settlement discussions and negotiations with the assistance of your attorney to resolve disputes.
5. Preparing for Trial: Prepare thoroughly, including organizing evidence and outlining arguments.
6. Going to Trial: Present your case in court and receive the judge's final decision.
7. Appealing the Decision: If you disagree with the final ruling, you may have the option to appeal the decision.

How Long Does a Contested Divorces Take?

The soonest a divorce can legally be finalized in California is six months, however, in cases of a contested divorce, proceedings typically last longer. At any point, if both parties can resolve all issues and reach a settlement, the agreement can be reviewed by a judge and the divorce can be finalized. While it is never easy to predict the time frame for marriage dissolution, an experienced attorney can help to ensure that proceedings go as smoothly as possible. Our team can help you to spot and prepare for possible complications as they arise.

Each person who goes through a divorce has a unique story and at the Gill Law Group, PC, we will take the time to listen to and understand yours. At our firm, we provide clear, straightforward legal advocacy to let our clients know where they stand during this confusing and frustrating time. No matter the complexity of your divorce, our contested divorce lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure that your interests are protected at the time when you need it most.

Are you looking to file for divorce in California? Call Gill Law Group, PC, today to schedule your complimentary consultation! 

What is an Uncontested Divorce?

In California, an uncontested divorce, also known as a simplified dissolution or summary dissolution, is a type of divorce where both spouses agree on all major issues related to the dissolution of their marriage. These issues typically include division of assets and debts, child custody and visitation (if applicable), child support, and spousal support.

To qualify for an uncontested divorce in California, certain criteria must be met:

• Agreement: Both spouses must agree on all terms of the divorce, including property division, child custody, and support.
• No Minor Children: If there are minor children involved, they must not have been born or adopted during the marriage, and the wife cannot be pregnant.
• Short Marriage: The marriage duration must be relatively short, typically less than five years.
• Limited Assets and Debts: The total value of community property assets must be less than $50,000, excluding cars.
• No Real Estate: The couple cannot own any real estate.
• Agree to Waive Spousal Support: Both parties must agree to waive their right to spousal support.

If these criteria are met, the process for an uncontested divorce in California is usually simpler and faster than a contested divorce. The couple can complete the necessary paperwork, file it with the court, and attend a final hearing, where a judge will review the agreement and grant the divorce.

What are the Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce?

The fewer arguments you have with your spouse as you end your marriage, the better things will be for everyone. You will hopefully go to bed each night as your divorce proceeds feeling that you are on the right track and doing the right thing for yourself.
On the other side of your divorce, the same sense of relief is likely influencing your soon-to-be ex-spouse, creating a positive atmosphere for everyone involved. Reduced stress for you is not the only benefit of an uncontested divorce.

Other benefits to an amicable and peaceful divorce include:

• The expedited divorce process, in most cases
• Less expensive to complete (fewer fees paid to courts)
• Children generally feel more content
• Property division is usually fairer

Potential Disadvantages of Uncontested Divorces

As strange as it might seem, no aspect of an uncontested divorce may be ideal for you. Agreements and handshakes are not always the right course of action. In particular, one problem that some divorcing couples will encounter while going through an uncontested divorce is misleading complacency.

Knowing that your spouse wants to keep things simple and agree on everything significant may spur you to simply sign the divorce paperwork without thoroughly reviewing what it says. Often, even though it is unintentional, one party or another loses out on something important, such as child custody or alimony, due to the fear that questioning the agreements at all would cause undue trouble.

Contact Our Orange County Divorce Attorney Today

At Gill Law Group, PC, we understand that navigating the divorce process in Orange County, CA, can be challenging and overwhelming. Our team is here to provide the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.

We are committed to helping you through each step of the process, from understanding your legal rights to finding the resources that can assist you in achieving a fair and equitable resolution. We aim to ensure that you have the information and support necessary to make informed decisions and move forward confidently. We have offices in in Irvine, San Francisco, San Diego, and Newport Beach.

Contact Gill Law Group, PC, today to schedule a meeting with our divorce lawyer in Orange County!

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