Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan

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Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan
Over 30 Years Of Legal Excellence For California Families

Understanding The Divorce Process For Professionals

Whether you have been married for decades or only a couple of years, divorce can be an intimidating and complicated process. This is particularly true if you or your spouse is a professional – such as a doctor or lawyer – and has acquired significant assets throughout your marriage.

For instance, the division of substantial assets and property, including homes, businesses, investments and retirement accounts, can be quite complex and often contentious. Given what is at stake during divorce, it is crucial to fully understand the process so you can avoid needless, not to mention costly, mistakes.

At the Law Offices of Lynda Sheridan, we can explain every phase of the California legal system and clarify the strict requirements for financial disclosures. We ultimately want to guide you through a strategic plan designed to protect your professional reputation and your wealth.

The First Step: Filing Divorce Petition

As with all other divorce proceedings in California, the process for professionals tends to go as follows:

  • Filing and service: One spouse (the petitioner) files the initial paperwork with the court. This petition is then formally served on the other spouse (the respondent) by a third party, which officially starts the legal clock.
  • The waiting period: Once service is complete, the respondent has 30 days to file a formal response. This step is also when the mandatory six-month waiting period begins before a divorce can be finalized in California.
  • Financial disclosures: Within 60 days, both parties must exchange a “Declaration of Disclosure.” This is a sworn document where you must list all income, assets, and debts so that both sides have a transparent view of the marital estate.
  • Temporary orders: While the case is pending, our attorney and staff can help you obtain temporary court orders for urgent matters such as child support, spousal support, or immediate custody arrangements.
  • Discovery and resolution: We meticulously review all financial records to ensure accuracy. Once everything is verified, we work toward a final judgment through sophisticated negotiation or, if necessary, aggressive courtroom litigation.

Transparency is the cornerstone of a successful high-asset divorce. Because California law carries significant penalties for failing to disclose assets – even by mistake – having a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist oversee your disclosures is vital. Attorney Sheridan is experienced in helping clients detail each asset with precision.

Is There Any Way To Keep My Divorce Proceedings Private?

Many professionals, including business owners and professional athletes, prefer to keep their personal lives out of the spotlight. This can be difficult to accomplish during a divorce, however, especially if the divorce goes to trial. Fortunately, you do have some legal options available to keep your divorce more private. For example, with the assistance of your attorney, you can agree to a voluntary settlement conference to negotiate with your spouse outside of court, which can help keep your personal life and assets from becoming public knowledge.

In many cases, couples are able to resolve all divorce-related issues in settlement conferences, including:

Avoiding a trial not only maintains your privacy, but it is also often less costly and significantly faster.

Not Sure What Option Is Best For You? Contact Us For Experienced Guidance.

Regardless of whether you want to litigate your divorce or keep it private, our attorney can help. With more than 30 years of legal experience, attorney Sheridan is both an experienced litigator and skilled negotiator. Simply put, she can assist you no matter the circumstances. Even if you are unsure about which path to take, she will explain your options and give you a cost/benefit analysis regarding whether litigation would be beneficial for you or not.

Reach Out To Our Family Law Firm Today

As a professional, it is always a good idea to consult with a lawyer if you are considering divorce. At our firm, our attorney can explain your legal rights and guide you through this complicated process. Attorney Sheridan can review your assets, help place a value on them and assess whether they may be considered separate property, in which case you may not have to split them with your soon-to-be ex. To schedule a meeting, email us or call us at 310-272-5357 for a free 30-minute telephone consultation.

From our office in Beverly Hills, we assist clients throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County, including those in Sherman Oaks and Santa Monica. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.