HEALTH ALERT – CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)
For the safety of our clients and staff—and for your convenience—all appointments will be by phone or Zoom. To make an appointment, please call 650-381-9591 or send us your name and email address and we will promptly get back to you.

Tips for deciding whether to settle or litigate in a divorce

People in California who are divorcing may prefer to try to negotiate an agreement instead of going to court. However, if one spouse is uncooperative or the two simply cannot reach an agreement about property division and child custody, it may be time to decide whether it is best to agree to a settlement that leaves at least one person unsatisfied or go to litigation.

Litigation can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive. People often do not realize that they may have to drop everything to get information to an attorney quickly, taking them away from work or caring for their children. Litigation can increase tensions between the individuals divorcing and be stressful for children as well. It may further damage the relationship between parents who still need to be able to cooperate with one another after the divorce.

Litigation can also take months or more than a year. People who feel that their negotiations are mostly futile may want to move directly to litigation to avoid wasting any more time. They should also be prepared for the cost of litigation, which can run into four or five figures. Despite these drawbacks, litigation may be worthwhile for people who are unable to reach an agreement with a spouse but have a strong case to present in court.

In California, a community property state, marital property is supposed to be divided equally. However, in practice, this does not necessarily mean that all assets will be divided 50/50. Negotiation may give people the opportunity to reach a more flexible solution to property division, but individuals who are arguing over how to divide a business or other assets may have to go to litigation. If the dispute is over child custody, the court will determine the arrangement that is in the best interests of the child.

FindLaw Network

contact our firm

Expertise.com

office locations

Joseph R. Zoucha, Attorney & Counselor at Law
520 Warren Street
Redwood City, CA 94063

Phone: 650-381-9591
Fax: 650-261-9650
Map & Directions

Review Us

Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin