Family Law Attorneys & Types of Divorce in Bakersfield

Passionately Fighting For Your Best Interests

If you and your spouse have agreed that divorce is the best decision for all involved, you may be wondering what the next step is for you, as well as what divorce options are available to you. The truth of the matter is, divorce doesn’t have to follow traditional litigation as many people wrongly believe—instead, depending on your scenario with your ex, there are several options which may be more suitable for the two of you.

The following are the main types of divorce:

• No-fault divorce – Citing irreconcilable differences will relay to the court that you and your spouse are incompatible, and the judge will need no more than that to grant you a divorce. No-fault simply means no one person was at fault for the ending of the marriage, as there was no adultery, desertion, or abuse. This is an easier option as it does not delve into too much detail in regards to the marriage.
• Contested divorce – If you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement about one or more specific issues, such as child custody or alimony, you will have to take these issues and present them to a judge who will make the decision for you. If after hearings and negotiations an agreement is still not made, the case will be taken to court trial.
• Uncontested divorce – One of the most peaceful ends to a marriage is uncontested divorce, in which both spouses file court papers cooperatively to make the divorce happen. There is no need to appear in court and no formal trial.
• Mediation – This peaceful alternative is becoming more and more popular amongst divorcing couples, as it not only saves time and money, it allows people more control over their life. Mediation involves coming to a mutual agreement with your ex, in which you agree upon all aspects of your separation--alimony, child support, division of assets, etc. This agreement is then signed upon by a professional mediator, who ensure the division is fair and that both parties are content with the decision. Avoiding litigation, this option works for those who are amicable with their ex.
• Collaborative divorce – Similar to mediation, collaborative divorce follows the same format, but there are attorneys involved on both sides. The attorneys negotiate on behalf of their clients.
• Arbitration – With this option, retired family court judges take on the role of an arbitrator, who presides over the case. In this case, both parties still avoid putting everything at the mercy of the courts.

Contact Our Bakersfield Family Law Attorneys Today

Our Bakersfield family law attorneys at Campbell Whitten understand nothing is quite as important as ensuring your divorce proceedings are handled as fairly and smoothly as possible. This is why we are relentless in our pursuit of justice in your behalf, as your success and satisfaction are our top priority. With us on your side, you won’t ever feel like you are facing this difficult time alone--in fact, our support, counsel, and guidance will be your greatest allies during this time.