Pasadena Family Law
Divorce & Separation, Mediation
Filing for divorce or legal separation is generally a very painful process for all parties involved. As family law professionals, the divorce lawyers at the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer have helped thousands of families through this difficult time. We believe that a strong attorney-client relationship is essential to the success of each and every case.
Hiring an experienced Pasadena family law attorney is crucial to the outcome of your divorce or legal separation proceedings. Here are a few things that will be important for you to understand when filing for divorce:
Length of Time Divorce Proceeds Take
Divorce law in Pasadena is governed by the state of California. Divorces in California take any where from six to eighteen months. There is a six month waiting period in the state of California between the time when a divorce is filed and the time the divorce is final. This is why time is of the essence if you have decided to proceed with divorce. Filing as soon as possible will get this lengthy process started.
Mediation vs. Litigation
Mediation allows the involved parties to maintain control over the outcome of the proceeds. When a divorce ends in litigation a judge or an arbiter makes the final decisions in the case. Mediation is preferable when both parties are amicably dissolving the marriage. While mediation can be a rather lengthy process it generally leads to an agreement that pleases both parties. Mediation is a faster and more cost-effective means to resolve divorce and child custody issues than litigation.
Child and Spousal Support
Whether you choose to go with mediation or litigation, official rulings on child and spousal support are not determined until the dissolution is final. However, temporary orders can be put in place once the divorce has been filed.
Marital House
The exclusive use of the marital house can be granted to one of the parties for a specified time period. That court may order exclusive use if there are allegations of domestic violence and the court has reason to suspect that the spouse or children are in danger.
We have years of experience representing our clients in Pasadena Family Court, and are prepared to handle your case. Call us at 866-477-4485 or contact us through our email form to set up an appointment with one of our divorce lawyers.