Guide to Divorce Legal Process

Trusted Chula Vista Attorneys decision to end your marriage is one of the most significant choices you will ever make. As such, it is important to be knowledgeable about the legal process so that you can minimize confusion and focus on what matters most. At the Alatsas Law Firm, we are committed to guiding you through the divorce process with support and compassion. Our experienced New York divorce lawyers can help you navigate your divorce in a way that protects your interests and is consistent with state laws.

A divorce is a court-ordered termination of a marriage. It includes legal orders for custody and parenting time, child support and alimony, and the division of marital property and debts. A divorce is final when the judge issues a judgment in accordance with state laws and after considering all evidence and facts presented at trial or through a settlement agreement.

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To file for divorce, you must meet residency requirements and have a legal reason to end the marriage, called a “ground.” Grounds may be fault-based (such as adultery or cruel treatment) or no-fault-based (“irreconcilable differences,” “irretrievable breakdown of the relationship,” or something similar). Some states require a period of separation before filing.

Once you file the divorce petition, the other spouse—the respondent—must be given legal notice of the lawsuit by being served with a copy of the summons and complaint filed in court. You cannot deliver the paperwork to your spouse yourself; instead, you must hire someone over 18 years old to do it for you.