Everyone knows what it means to get a divorce, but a lot of clients are not familiar with the legal process involved. We divide each family case into 3 stages: pre-trial, discovery, and resolution.
Click on each stage (below) to find out more about what happens during that stage of a family case.
​
Please be aware that this information is based on our experience in the typical case. Note that your case may vary from this model. If it is more complex or involves unique circumstances, it may take more or less time and require additional steps.
​
​
The Divorce Process
PROPERTY SETTLEMENT IN YOUR DIVORCE
Once of the most important roles that your attorney plays is to ensure that your goals with regard to the division of property are met. This could mean enforcing a pre or post nuptial agreements, protecting your separate property or ensuring you retain control over key community assets.
​
MORE TO COME
CHILD CUSTODY IN YOUR DIVORCE
Child custody disputes are among the most bitter battles that can arise in a divorce. If you have minor children, especially if you are a father, then it is crucial that you establish the facts and evidence that support your position as the parent best suited to receive custody of your children early in the case. This is not simply a question of telling the Court why you believe it is in your child's best interest to give you custody. ​ ​ ​ ​
You may have lots of horror stories about your spouse's behavior that you believe make this obvious. Divorce courts hear accusations and counter accusations in child custody disputes all the time. Anecdotes will not be enough to prove your child belongs with you. ​
You will need witnesses and documentary evidence to show:
that you have been actively involved in your child's life,
that you are willing to cooperate with your spouse in co-parenting your children,
that your household is stable and conducive to providing the child with a safe and nurturing home life,
that living with you will not disrupt your child's current routine,
that you have a stable personal history with no episodes of violence or abuse,
that your child wishes to live with you. ​
None of these factors is determinative but the stronger your evidence, the better your case will be before the Court. Judges in divorce cases are used to hearing parents badmouthing one another. In fact, bad-mouthing is likely to go against your claims for custody. They want to see hard evidence of what is best for your kids. ​
In attempting to obtain custody of your children, it is easy to unwittingly alienate the judge and undermine your efforts. It is important to hire a skilled divorce attorney who will build the evidence that will protect your kids and your rights.
​
​