English
FAMILY LAW PROCESS CHART
PETITION
PETITION FOR LEGAL SEPARATION, DIVORCE OR CHILD CUSTODY/VISITATION IS FILED. IF AN URGENT MATTERS IS INVOLVED A RESTRAINING ORDER OR PRELIMINARY HEARING WILL MAY BE REQUESTED.
PETITION FOR LEGAL SEPARATION, DIVORCE OR CHILD CUSTODY/VISITATION IS FILED. IF AN URGENT MATTERS IS INVOLVED A RESTRAINING ORDER OR PRELIMINARY HEARING WILL MAY BE REQUESTED.
Step 1
PETITION IS SERVED ON THE OTHER PARTY.
Step 2
IF RESPONSE IS FILED WITHIN THE PERIOD OF 30 DAYS DETERMINED BY LAW , A CONFERENCE TO SETTLE IS SET BY THE COURT, IF NO RESPONSE IS FILED, A DEFAULT JUDGEMENT CAN BE ENTERED.
Step 3
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE WILL BE REQUIRED WHETHER THE OTHER PARTY ANSWERS OR NOT TO THE PETITION.
Step 4
SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE EXISTS TO ATTEMPT TO STIPULATE A MARITAL/CUSTODY AGREEMENT. THE CONFERENCE WILL BE SET IF THE OTHER PARTY RESPONDS TO THE PETITION.
Step 5
IF NO SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT IS REACHED, A HEARING WILL BE SET TO EVALUATE STATUS OF THE CASE, THE DISCOVERY PROCESS AND EXCHANGE OF EVIDENCE.
Step 6
TRIAL: THE COURT DECIDES THE OUTCOME OF YOUR CASE
Step 7
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU:
- In the initial consultation, the lawyer will hear you and ask important questions to evaluate your options and the best strategy. The attorney then will give you alternatives as to what you can do, and will discuss the possible consequences of each option.
- Based on the facts acquired from the client a petition will be carefully drafted to achieve the best result possible for the client under the circumstances.
- Evidence will be used to achieve the best result by either settlement agreement or trial.
- We handle all petitions and forms for divorce; annulment of marriage; termination of domestic partnership; domestic violence cases including restraining orders; child support (Family Law Code § § 3900-3902) and spousal support (Family Law Code §3500 and §§ 4300-4360); petitions and modifications of support (Family Law Code § 3651); visitation petitions; and paternity cases petitions.