What to Do After Being Served with Divorce Papers in California

June 24, 2024

What to Do After Being Served with Divorce Papers in California

Going through a divorce is never easy, and being served with divorce papers can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. If you find yourself in this situation in California, it's important to know what steps to take next. At COLLISS LAW, APC, we understand the challenges that come with divorce proceedings and are here to assist the California public with their legal needs. In this blog post, we will discuss what to do after being served with divorce papers in California and how our team can help guide you through the process.


The first thing to do after being served with divorce papers is to read them carefully and make note of any deadlines or requirements outlined in the documents. It's crucial to respond within the specified timeline to avoid potential legal consequences. If you have been served with divorce papers in California, you have 30 days from the date of service to file a response. Failure to do so could result in a default judgment being entered against you.


Once you have reviewed the divorce papers and understand your obligations, it's essential to seek legal representation. An experienced family law attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that your best interests are represented throughout the divorce process. At COLLISS LAW, APC, our team has extensive experience handling divorce cases in California and can provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.


In addition to filing a response to the divorce papers, it's important to gather all relevant financial documents and information related to your marriage. This includes bank statements, tax returns, property deeds, retirement account statements, and any other documentation that may be relevant to the division of assets or determination of spousal support. Having this information organized and readily available will help streamline the divorce process and ensure that your interests are protected.


As part of the divorce process in California, both parties are required to participate in mediation before proceeding to trial. Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps facilitate discussions between spouses in an effort to reach agreements on issues such as child custody, visitation schedules, division of assets, and spousal support. Our team at COLLISS LAW, APC can assist you throughout the mediation process and work towards achieving favorable outcomes for you.


Being served with divorce papers can be a daunting experience, but it's important not to panic or ignore the situation. By taking proactive steps such as responding within the specified timeframe, seeking legal representation from an experienced family law attorney like those at COLLISS LAW, APC , gathering financial documentation, and participating in mediation sessions as required by California law ,you can navigate through the complexities of a divorce proceeding more effectively .Our team is here for Californians facing these challenging circumstances ,and we are committed helping our clients achieve fair resolutions that protect their rights and best interests .Contact us today for assistance with your divorce matter .

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