Riverside CA Family Law Blog

When divorcing couples are looking for a cost-productive method of dissolving their marriage, Collaborative Divorce is a common recommendation. It often saves the cost and time of long drawn out court hearings and trials on issues that can be resolved between separate attorneys for each party to the divorce. Couples can utilize the skill of their qualified and experienced collaborative attorney in the Family Law area to attempt to settle all issues that a court might normally decide. The process is effective in the following ways:

• Attempts to deflect anger
• Curtails emotions and blame in divorce
• Avoids costly court motions
• Prevents court anxiety for couples
• Aims to resolve all court issues to settle case
• Gives the opportunity to meet opposing counsel

When facing a divorce that would normally involve motion hearings in court, couples may agree to collaborate with the assistance of their attorneys. On the downside for some couples is the fact that the process can make the couples have to meet face to face with the ex-spouse and his/her lawyer in an effort to resolve any disputes. You must speak through your lawyer and be open to bargaining, again in an effort to resolve　common divorce　disputes.

When entering into Collaborative Divorce, keep in mind the positive outcome that may ensue if your willing to be open-minded and participate objectively.

Generally, a dissolution of marriage can be emotional for the parties involved. When children are involved, emotions may further be heightened. Meeting with a skilled, experienced, Riverside Family Law Attorney may be an essential step in getting a handle on your rights and priorities. At the Law Offices of Richard K. Isles, we care and we want to help. Benefit from the counsel of a Riverside Family Law Attorney with over 21 years experience striving favorable outcomes through mediation and litigation. When looking for a skilled, strategic attorney, call the lawyer people want in their court!

California Family Law Divorces are never exactly the same. Each marital dissolution (dissolving a marriage) has it's own unique issues concerning children, assets, debts, spousal or child support ,and each divorce requires a unique strategy to get it to the ultimate closure. Of course the goal for both spouses in this journey is separate lives.

THE FAMILY LAW DIVORCE PROCESS
We can help you to understand the basic divorce process although keep in mind that each divorce is unique in its own way. For instance, your friends divorce may have been simple with no children, no property and no debts to divide, where you may have children, retirement, 401K's and property to divide, thus the need for Experienced California legal representation is required. At the law offices of Richard K. Isles, we carry 20 years of California Family Law experience in the Riverside and San Bernardino Courts. Our Paralegals are not just self trained, but they are Certified Paralegals from a Certified Paralegal school, as well as ongoing Law School Education.

FILING FOR DIVORCE
As soon as you have decided to pursue a California Divorce, you should seek the services of a qualified, strategic divorce Attorney. This will begin the process where you can obtain temporary custody and visitation arrangements; a restraining order so your spouse won't contact you; child support and spousal support if any of these issues apply to your divorce. Your case may need temporary orders so you can survive financially at the onset of the case.

Initially, the attorney will file a Petition with the local family law court, such as Riverside Superior Court. A Summons is then served upon the other party which states they want a divorce and what they are seeking in terms of property, child custody, support. The party being served must answer the Summons, and if they wish, they will respond. California does not require fault as a prerequisite. In other words, you are not required to have to justify filing for a divorce by accusing your spouse of wrongdoing.

COLLECTING INFORMATION - DISCOVERY
Once you have retained a qualified Riverside Divorce lawyer, you will need to begin gathering vital information for your divorce attorneys use. Information such as names and ages of children, date of marriage, date of separation, and social security numbers are necessary in the divorce process. Financial information such as paycheck information, income tax returns from the past several years, recent pay slip and loan documents as well as credit card information will be essential. This information will be used in the discovery process. You will need to provide the attorney with as much financial information as you can. From the value of items, to stocks and pensions. Everything matters.

COURT LITIGATION OR NEGOTIATION
If you and your spouse have not resolved the issues in your divorce, but have to fight it out then your case is considered Contested. Family Law Attorney Richard K. Isles has a proven reputation in the local Family Law courts as an Aggressive yet respected litigator. If you decide to negotiate the issues at hand, then attorney Isles can assist. We see more and more couples who divorce preferring to utilize Mr. Isles' negotiation skills in a direct approach to settling their divorce outside of court litigation. If you find this to be the direction you are looking to pursue, call our Law office at (951) 643-8541.

THE WAITING PERIOD
In California Family Law there is a waiting period between the divorce petition and the final decree. It is six months. Even if your process is very quick, the waiting period must elapse prior to the judge granting a divorce.

THE DIVORCE JUDGMENT
After all the issues have been decided either in court or outside of court between you or your spouse, a judgment is prepared by one of our Certified Paralegals. The signed documents are delivered for filing with the court clerk and submitted to the Judge for signature and stamps. A Divorce Decree is the document which shows you are legally divorced - some call them freedom papers, and of course you are allowed to remarry if you choose.

EMOTIONS & DIVORCE

Divorce is an emotional life event. It can be draining for both sides. The best approach to resolving every matter such as child custody & Visitation, assets & debts, spousal support and division of the home, is to wipe away the tears and think logically and open minded. You will be one step closer to getting a final Judgment.

We recommend the following link for those seeking emotional support during the divorce process. Always consider a therapist as well.

http://www.divorcehelpforparents.com/effects-of-divorce.html

We have briefly touched on the general divorce process. The divorce process is complicated and our summary reflects little on the emotional experience that a divorce can generate. It is strongly encouraged that you contact our law firm to talk to the necessary divorce professionals to find out exactly how to make your divorce process as quick and painless as possible. Your initial consultation will be free of charge and you should get the answers you need to pave the way to a smooth dissolution of marriage. Call (951) 643-8541 or toll free (888) 513-5924

Every day in America, spouses are served with Divorce papers. Sometimes unexpectedly, and often, expectedly. Nobody wants to face Divorce as a surprise, and in actuality, the highest percentages of divorce (about 70%) are initiated by women. Very few divorces come by surprise to couples breaking up. Events leading up to divorce can include infidelity, social networking with the opposite sex, abuse (verbal or physical), therapy that did not work, or arguing for prolonged periods. Commonly, we see a parent leaving the family home for a change in lifestyle, often to party with friends, becoming promiscuous, and independent away from the family unit.

You may be facing Divorce where a spouse has walked out on the family for selfish reasons. You give them space, and take care of the children, work a full time job, help with homework and wait in hope that your spouse will get her act together and return home. Chances of this happening can be very low. In fact, the spouse and their new found "freedom" can often be the start of the end to what used to be a good marriage. These divorces are often slow in getting started, yet once you tire of handling all the finances, children and everything else that s normally takes two parents to handle, it may be time to visit a divorce attorney.

Only you will know when the time is right to retain a Divorce attorney. No person can tell you when it's the right time. A qualified divorce attorney would be best suited for you once you have made the decision to move forward a file a Divorce Petition.

Keep in mind, you can survive divorce. Many Americans face it every day!

If you haven't noticed, Divorce brings out the worst in most people. It can lead to deception, self interest and straight out lies, which in a normal marriage, is considered intolerable. This is due to feeling the need to protect your assets, your children and yourself. Knowing how to approach your adversary can help a lot. We as family law attorneys suggest you follow this set of guidelines:

• If there is animosity substitute harsh words to politeness.
• Be skeptical. There can be deception on the part of one spouse for self interest.
• You are not always required to tell your spouse everything when separated or divorcing. The family law attorneys can ask for what information is needed.
• Stay clear or walk away from arguments.
• If your spouse tries to control or manipulate, understand this is probably the norm.
• If you are represented by a qualified family law attorney, don't enter into a private negotiation without seeking your lawyer's advice.
• Use the "find a way out" phrase "talk to your lawyer and have him talk to mine".
• Don't rub in your legal victories. It might make the other side want to get even.

When dealing with a difficult ex, ask him/her to put communications in writing or email you. This will help filter hurtful or emotional issues.