La Mesa Contested Divorce Lawyer
Navigating Complex Divorce Cases in California
If you have received a petition for divorce from your spouse but disagree with their request, you have the right to contest. In a contested divorce, you can either disagree on everything your spouse asks of you or agree on some issues and leave the other issues for a judge to decide on.
Our La Mesa contested divorce attorney has years of experience helping individuals find a middle ground that works in the best interests of all parties involved, and our goal is always to find out exactly what you want and then do everything in our power to achieve this – inside and/or outside of the family courtroom.
Call Andrea Schneider Family Law today at (619) 304-8499 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our contested divorce attorney in La Mesa!
What is a Contested Divorce?
A contested divorce arises when spouses cannot agree on important issues such as asset division, child custody, spousal support, and other related matters. In such cases, the resolution of these disputes often necessitates court intervention. Andrea Schneider Family Law specializes in providing comprehensive legal services to individuals navigating the complexities of contested divorces.
In a contested divorce, both parties present their case in court, and a judge decides on unresolved issues. This process can be emotionally taxing, requiring a skilled attorney to advocate for your rights and interests effectively. Our firm understands the intricacies of contested divorce cases and is dedicated to providing personalized, strategic legal representation.
Contested Divorce Requirements in California
California has specific requirements that must be met for a divorce to be considered contested. These include:
- Grounds for Divorce: California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither party must prove the other did something wrong. However, the court may consider issues such as irreconcilable differences.
- Residency Requirements: One spouse must have been a resident of California for at least six months before filing for divorce in the state. Additionally, they must have lived in the county where the divorce was filed for at least three months.
- Filing a Petition: The process begins with one spouse filing a divorce petition. The other party must respond within a specific timeframe, indicating whether they agree or disagree with the terms presented.
- Discovery Process: Both parties exchange information and documents through the discovery process. This phase is crucial for gathering evidence and building a solid case.
- Negotiation and Mediation: Before heading to court, our attorneys often explore negotiation and mediation to find common ground on disputed issues. While these methods aim for an amicable resolution, they may only sometimes be successful.
Responding to Divorce or Separation
If you've been served divorce papers, filing a response requires you to take the following steps:
- First, you must fill out a response as the respondent
- Make two copies of the forms for yourself and the petitioner
- File your forms with the court clerk within 30 days of being served with the petition
- You must have someone serve a copy of the papers to your spouse
- Then, have the server fill out a proof of service form
How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?
The duration of a contested divorce can vary based on several factors. The complexity of the issues involved, the court's caseload, and the willingness of the parties to cooperate all play a role in determining the timeline. Generally, a contested divorce may take several months to a few years to resolve. The following factors can influence the timeline of a contested divorce:
- Court Proceedings: The court's schedule and the availability of hearing dates can impact the overall timeline. Delays in court proceedings may extend the duration of the divorce process.
- Negotiations and Mediation: The willingness of both parties to engage in negotiations or mediation can significantly impact the timeline. The process may be expedited if parties can reach agreements on key issues outside of court.
- Complexity of Issues: Cases involving complex financial matters, child custody disputes, or extensive asset division may take longer to resolve. Thoroughly addressing these complexities is crucial for a fair and equitable outcome.
- Documentation and Discovery: The time taken to gather necessary documentation, undergo the discovery process, and exchange information can affect the overall timeline of the divorce proceedings.
Our legal team at Andrea Schneider Family Law is committed to efficiently navigating the contested divorce process on behalf of our clients.
Contact Our La Mesa Contested Divorce Attorney Today
Filling out the paperwork and completing every step ensures a favorable result. Our La Mesa divorce lawyer will help you feel confident that you have completed every step correctly. Whether you need me to review your forms or are looking for legal representation throughout the process, our experienced La Mesa contested divorce attorney can help you.
Contact Andrea Schneider Family Law today to meet with our contested divorce lawyer in La Mesa!
Former Clients Share Their Stories
Experienced in Handling a Wide Array of Cases
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"She was great to work with!!!"Andrea was very professional, helpful, and quick to respond back to any questions or concerns you might have. She was great to work with!!!- Jamal B.
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"Very professional, informative with a lot of knowledge"Very professional, informative with a lot of knowledge, that helped me understand and move forward with my case, thank you 🙏- Dorit S.
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"Would highly recommend"Andrea, was detail oriented from beginning to end. Very pleased with the outcome and her due diligence. Would highly recommend.- Uriel J.
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"Fast communication!"Fast communication!- Rita M.
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"I really appreciated Andrea"I really appreciated Andrea referring me to someone for my situation. I was looking for legal advice and that’s exactly what she helped me get.- Ashley D.
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"very helpful"Amazing instant response very helpful.- Trae W.
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"Amazing!"
Amazing! Even though she wasn’t able to take my case (which is understandable) she was very helpful by referring me to someone who could assist me. She still took her time out to make sure I was in good hands and to get the help that is needed. Very satisfied.
- DeAsia L. -
"Thank you Andrea!"I'm in search for a divorce attorney that will not drag out a case unnecessarily and that will strive for out-of-court settlements, so when I came across Andrea Schneider's website and read how she approaches each case, I was very impressed. So I contacted Andrea instantly and left her a message after hours. To my surprise, she replied to me that same evening. Unfortunately, Andrea isn't taking any new divorce cases at this time but she definitely didn't hesitate in referring me to two other attorneys. Andrea is a very professional, organized, and caring attorney! Thank you Andrea!- Selena C.
Professional Help When You Need It Most
Why Choose The Law Offices of Andrea Schneider?
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A Collaborative ApproachI will strategize and develop a game plan that will help you achieve your goals, all while staying within your budget.
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Protecting Your Interests
I have your best interest at heart and in mind. I will patiently listen to what you want, need and value.
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Thoughtful & CaringI truly care about my clients and am here to help them with any legal matter they are facing.
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Family Comes FirstAs a mother of two, I understand it is important to do what's best for you and your family. You can trust I will do just that for you.
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Direct Attorney Access
When you call my office, you get me! You will not be handed off. I live and breathe your case. I will be with you every step of the way.
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Personalized AttentionI treat my clients like family, not case numbers. My clients get the personal attention that their case deserves.