The first step in a divorce is to file a Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and have it served on the other party; the other party will have 30 days to respond. Both parties will need to serve Declarations of Disclosure on the other party, disclosing all of their assets and debts. Thereafter, you can either come to an agreement regarding all issues, for example child custody, visitation, support, divisions of assets and debts. Or the parties do not agree on all of the terms, a hearing will be necessary and the Court will need to hear the matter and rule on all of the disputed issues and make orders. A party may file request for order, which will put a hearing on calendar in front of the Judge to make interim orders. In order to finalize the matter, an At Issue Memorandum must be filed with Court to start the process of getting a trial on calendar. At this time, there will be a hearing, testimony will be given, evidence will be entered. And the Court’s orders will be incorporated into a typed formal judgement. Typically, this is when your marital status will be terminated.
If you have any questions, please contact the Law Office of Laurel Peniche Gartman at (714) 283-2811.
As a Certified Family Law Specialist, Laurel Peniche Gartman has been practicing Family Law for over 27 years in Orange County California.
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