An Overview of Divorce
Napa divorce attorneys serving Fairfield, Vacaville and Solano County areas
You do not have to go through your divorce alone. If you are ending your marriage in the Solano County and Contra Costa County areas, divorce attorneys from Mattice Law Offices can help you through the legal process. We can provide a number of services during the divorce process, from preparing and filing court documents to litigating for your desired outcome.
Steps in the Solano County divorce process
One of the spouses must file a petition in the Superior Court of Solano County to begin the divorce process. This petition states the petitioner’s intent to dissolve the marriage and gives the other spouse—known formally as the respondent—30 days to respond.
What happens next in an uncontested divorce
The petitioner’s case proceeds if the respondent does not answer the petition within 30 days. A Solano County divorce attorney draws up the divorce judgment document, which outlines division of property, spousal support, child support, child custody, and any other orders. The divorce judgment is then filed with the court and the divorce becomes final six months and one day after the respondent was served the divorce petition.
What happens next in a contested divorce
When the respondent does respond to the divorce petition within the 30 days, a date is usually set for a mandatory settlement conference. Before the settlement conference, attorneys for both parties begin the discovery process. In discovery, divorce attorneys gather information about property, finances, children, and circumstances through questionnaires and depositions. The attorneys use the gathered information to try to get both sides to come to a marital settlement agreement at the mandatory settlement conference.
If unable to reach an agreement at this conference, the case proceeds to litigation where the attorneys present their arguments. Once each side has been heard, the judge issues a divorce judgment that determines division of property, child custody, visitation, and support, and spousal support. The judgment is issued and, if the six month waiting period has already been met, the divorce is final. If the waiting period has not been met, the divorce will be final six months and one day after the respondent was served the petition.
Contact us
As divorce attorneys in Solano County, the family lawyers of Mattice Law Offices guide families through this emotional process by providing sound legal advice and understanding. We work to achieve the resolution you want through our knowledge of the California laws and Solano County court processes. Our attorneys are experienced in all areas of family law and are available to discuss your needs and determine the best approach to take for your divorce. Contact us today.
The attorneys at Mattice Law Offices provide skilled legal services for Family Law, Personal Injury, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law to the Solano County, Contra Costa County, Fairfield, Napa, Suisun City, Vacaville, Benicia, Vallejo, and Dixon areas.
