Just as no two marriages are the same, no two divorces are! As such, it’s necessary to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to leaving a spouse. If you are considering leaving your spouse or were served divorce papers, you may be surprised to learn there are different divorce methods available. Understanding these choices is crucial, so you’ll want to keep reading and contact a Los Angeles divorce attorney to help make this process as smooth as possible.
Are There Different Divorce Methods?
If you are worried about going through a long, bitter court battle when divorcing your spouse, you’ll be relieved to discover this is not your only choice. In fact, there are many solutions for all needs.
Commonly, spouses will file an uncontested divorce. This means they have worked out an agreement together on significant issues surrounding the marriage and do not need the court to intervene. Working with your spouse is a great option, as it allows you to speed up the divorce process.
One common option for couples is to try mediating their divorce. This is the process in which the parties will meet with a neutral third-party entity who will facilitate a conversation to help the couple compromise. This is good for couples who want an uncontested divorce but may not be able to agree on hotly contested issues.
Similarly, a collaborative divorce can help the couple avoid a court battle. This process allows each spouse to hire an attorney to work with the other party and try to reach an agreement. However, if a compromise cannot be accomplished, the attorneys will withdraw from the case, and the spouses must hire new representation before proceeding to court.
However, if you truly cannot come to an agreement on issues like property division or child custody, you may need to proceed with a contested divorce. This occurs when a couple cannot work together to compromise on these issues, court intervention will be necessary.
Do I Still Need an Attorney for This Process?
If you and your spouse decide to work together to avoid an uncontested divorce, you may think you can complete this process without the assistance of an attorney. While there’s no law stating a divorcing couple must have representation to proceed, it’s absolutely in your best interest to consult with a lawyer. Unfortunately, divorce is a complex legal process with many things that must be taken into consideration. As such, ensuring you have an attorney to help you navigate the process is critical.
At the Zitser Family Law Group, we understand the complexities of divorce. Not only is this an incredibly emotional time, but it is also a confusing legal and financial matter. As such, our team can help work with you to explore which option is best for your needs so you can focus on healing during this challenging time. Contact our firm today to discuss the details of your divorce with a dedicated member of our team.
