Ventura Divorce Attorney

Divorce, Dissolution of Marriage and Dissolution of Domestic Partnership

Whether your relationship lasted decades or for a short time, making the change from married to divorced is usually a stressful and emotional experience especially when there are children. The process begins when one person (the petitioner) files a petition for dissolution with the court. This may be a matter which has been discussed between you or it may be a surprise. The other person (the respondent) has 30 days in which to respond to the court. Whether you have few assets or a vast marital estate the divorce process usually entails a lot of work. A Ventura divorce attorney at our firm is skilled at smoothing the process to make it as painless as possible.

Divorce Lawyer in Ventura

Divorce and annulment are the two legal methods of ending a union. Since annulment is only an option in very specific circumstances, the vast majority of couples must work through the process to arrive at a divorce settlement agreement. This involves settling such matters as child custody and visitation, spousal support, property valuation and division of debts and assets, and child support which can be accomplished by discussion, or in the case of a dispute by mediation or by trial before a judge. Of the three, discussion or mediation put the two parties more in control of the outcome, are generally the least stressful and result in far less hostility later on. When there has been domestic violence the court can issue restraining orders if necessary. In a highly contentious divorce some matters may have to be determined by the court. A knowledgeable divorce lawyer at our firm can help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision.

Where a legal separation is already in place, it is not necessary to arrive at new agreements. As pre/postnuptial agreements have recently become more common, in these cases the areas of possible dispute could be greatly reduced. Our firm makes every effort to assist in an amicable resolution of differences without an expensive trial. Should this prove impossible, an aggressive divorce lawyer at Negley Law uses every available legal tool in the courtroom to protect a client's rights.

If you are considering filing for divorce, contact a Ventura divorce attorney at our firm for professional legal representation.