Divorce in Riverside

Divorce turns your life upside down. Everyone involved in a divorce experiences unavoidable emotional trauma, no matter how amicable the process. Attorney Julie M. Hill, a certified family law specialist, offers divorce services to Riverside and Inland Empire clients.

Riverside contested divorce

In a contested divorce in Riverside, the spouses cannot agree on issues, and divorce is generally a battle in court. The adversarial nature of a contested divorce makes it emotionally difficult for all parties including and especially children. Unlike uncontested divorce in Riverside, a contested divorce can sometimes drag on in court for years. Divorces involving large marital assets and/or heavily contested child custody disputes are the nightmare scenario that couples want to avoid. Because a Riverside contested divorce involves litigation, predicting the outcome is difficult at best.

In contested divorces, the court may issue temporary orders on pertinent matters including:

• Child custody/visitation/support
• Alimony
• Property/debt division
• Domestic violence
• Payment of attorney fees/costs
• Move-out orders

Divorcing in Riverside is resolved by the judge if partners cannot agree

Contested divorces go through a discovery process to disclose financial and other vital information. After full disclosure, the spouses and their lawyers begin the negotiation process. If an agreement cannot be reached, the issues are tried before a judge.

Many couples do not realize that the judge may see things in a completely different light than either partner. Decisions made by a judge may seem arbitrary or unfair. Even couples with very different ideas are generally better off compromising with each other rather than letting the judge—a complete stranger—make life altering decisions about their lives, possessions, and families.

Riverside uncontested divorce

A Riverside uncontested divorce does not mean an amicable divorce. Uncontested divorces in Riverside can also have animosity between spouses. However, a Riverside uncontested divorce is one in which, despite differences, the spouses agree on all pertinent marital issues relative to their divorce including:

• Child custody/support/visitation
• Alimony
• Property/debt division
• Legal/court costs payment

The steps of an uncontested Riverside divorce include:

• Filing a divorce petition
• Notification of divorce filing
• Filing a declaration of finances
• Obtaining a hearing date
• Attending divorce finalization hearing

Because spouses agree on all issues in an uncontested Riverside divorce, generally the procedure moves quickly and smoothly.

Divorce separation in Riverside

A separation divorce in Riverside is not a divorce because the procedure ends with the spouses remaining married. However, if you do not reach the residency requirements of a Riverside uncontested divorce you may file for a separation. Once the residency requirement is reached, you may file additional paperwork to dissolve your marriage.

Julie M. Hill can provide valuable legal advice in contested and uncontested divorces in Riverside. Contact the Riverside divorce law firm of Julie Hill today for a consultation on your divorce needs.