Settlement Agreements

San Bernardino Divorce Attorney

In order for marriage dissolution to be officially granted, the divorcing couple must first determine the terms of the divorce, which will detail issues such as spousal support, property division, child custody, visitation rights and child support. A divorce agreement is a prerequisite to the formal dissolution of a marriage; it may be reached in one of three of the following manners: in an uncontested divorce, both parties will have to work out a compromise between themselves; in a contested divorce, either the judge will make a judgment after hearing the facts of the case, or the couple may choose to settle in court if it becomes apparent that a judicial decision is not in their favor. The last option, a marital settlement agreement, is not often planned, but it saves many couples from the inflexible terms of a court-ordered arrangement.

If you and your former partner are headed for litigation, it is critical that you understand the full extent of a contested divorce. A San Bernardino divorce lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael R. Young can explain and illuminate the timeline for and problems with a litigated divorce during a free consultation.

Marital Settlement Agreements in San Bernardino

Contested divorces are typically drawn out over a period of months, even years for some cases. In general, however, the divorce process is handled piece by piece. Unfortunately, these decrees often satisfy neither the husband nor wife. Prior to the trial, however, the spouses are given an opportunity to separately meet with a volunteer mediator who will urge compromise in order to avoid litigation. He or she will evaluate each partner's case and then give a frank assessment of what could happen in court. This assessment will primarily focus on each partner's desires and the possibility of a decree far worse than a compromised settlement. After the meetings, the spouses will be given the option to avoid trial and instead negotiate a marital settlement agreement.  

Contact a San Bernardino Divorce Lawyer for invaluable legal representation from a practiced professional.