Solana Beach Uncontested Divorce Attorney
A divorce in Solana Beach, California does not have to involve lengthy or expensive litigation. If you and your spouse can achieve an uncontested divorce, you can avoid going to trial and the headache that comes with it. At Ratzer|Dobis, our experienced family law attorneys can help you navigate any complex issues that your case may involve to increase the odds of a successful uncontested divorce. Request your free consultation with one of our lawyers today.
Why Choose Ratzer|Dobis?
- Our law firm has Certified Family Law Specialists. These are licensed attorneys who have received board certification in the practice of family law.
- You will receive an entirely personalized experience. We tailor our legal services to the needs of each case and client for optimal results.
- We handle all of our divorce cases in Solana Beach as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Our goal is to help you find a better tomorrow.
What Is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce means that both parties agree on the terms of the dissolution of marriage. The terms are not disputed or contested, meaning that the couple does not have to go to court and have a judge decide on the terms for them. Instead, the couple can achieve a settlement, with both parties agreeing on all of the necessary elements and a judge signing off. The terms on which the couple must agree are:
An uncontested divorce has benefits such as saving time, money and stress compared to a contested divorce in Solana Beach. The overall cost is substantially less than a litigated case since the couple does not have to go to trial. However, the couple must still properly fill out and file the required paperwork to make it official.
Do I Need an Attorney for My Uncontested Divorce?
Although an uncontested divorce is simpler than a contested one, it can still be difficult to achieve without help from an attorney. Your lawyer can think of creative solutions to issues that you might not think of alone. Your lawyer can also represent you during mediation or arbitration if alternative dispute resolution is necessary. Most importantly, a divorce attorney in Solana Beach can make sure that your rights and best interests are protected during settlement negotiations with your ex-spouse.
The Basics of Solana Beach Divorce
Getting divorced in Solana Beach starts with consulting with a lawyer. It is important to make this your first step, as a divorce lawyer can help you prepare for what comes next. If you have complex legal issues or a high-value marital estate, your lawyer may recommend legal representation throughout your uncontested divorce case. Otherwise, you can fill out and submit the correct California divorce petition on your own.
As long as you meet California’s residency requirements (you or your spouse must have lived in California for the past six months and in your county for the past three months), you can file your petition with the Family Law Courthouse or the Madge Bradley Courthouse and pay the filing fee. Once the paperwork is served on your ex-spouse, you can work together to achieve an uncontested divorce during the mandatory six-month waiting period. After submitting your divorce settlement agreement, a judge should sign off and finalize the dissolution.
Grounds for Uncontested Divorce in California
California is a no-fault divorce state. This means you don’t need to prove that your spouse did something wrong to get a divorce. On your paperwork when filing for an uncontested divorce in California, you only need to state “irreconcilable differences” as your grounds for divorce. This essentially means that you and your spouse have grown apart or have differences that you cannot get past.
Contact a Solana Beach Uncontested Divorce Attorney
If you and your ex-spouse are amicable and willing to work together to achieve a divorce settlement, you can most likely attain an uncontested divorce. To learn more about this type of divorce or for assistance with your case, contact Ratzer|Dobis at (858) 793-7700. We offer free case evaluations so that you can get advice from a licensed family law attorney without any financial risk. Call today.