What Happens if My Los Angeles Divorce Goes to Trial?

At the Land Legal Group, our divorce attorneys in Los Angeles represent our clients with fervor and a commitment to pursuing the best outcome available for their unique circumstances.

Each divorce, and the spouse we represent, is unique. That means they have different expectations and needs, which is why we customize each case to ensure we are pursuing their wishes.

Sometimes, that means providing a realistic review of how their divorce will unfold inside the courtroom if they are unable to resolve the details during settlement negotiations.

If you or your spouse are unwilling to resolve each detail of your divorce agreement outside the courtroom, the next step to resolve any outstanding issues is to go to trial and present your case in front of a judge, so it is important to know what to expect from the process.

Here is What You Should Know About the Divorce Trial Process

When your divorce goes to trial, it is because there were details you and your spouse could not agree on during settlement discussions. Whether that includes asset and debt division, child custody and child support, or spousal support arrangements, going to trial means presenting your case to the California family law judge.

Here is what that entails:

• The Petitioner Presents their Case

The spouse who filed for divorce will present their case before the judge first, showing documents and evidence to support their requests, which may include:

• Finances
• Assets
• Properties
• Children

This is the time to present all other pertinent details supporting your/their divorce demands and why you/they are entitled to them.

• The Respondent Presents their Case

After the first spouse presents their case, it is time for the respondent to present theirs, which will include all the pertinent details and necessary responses to the petitioner’s presentation.

• Witnesses Will Appear on Each Spouse’s Behalf

Each party can call witnesses to testify before the judge on their behalf.

Common witnesses include people who know both spouses, so they can give an informed opinion on the case’s direction, citing capabilities and shortcomings, depending on which side they are on.

Witnesses may include:

• Family members, neighbors, friends, and coworkers
• Teachers, nannies, daycare instructors, and other important professional figures, when the divorcing spouses share children

The opposing party will cross-examine each witness to strengthen their client’s case.

The petitioner’s attorney will have a final opportunity to rebut the respondent’s claims if he or she sees fit before the closing arguments are presented.

• Closing Arguments are Presented

Once each spouse and their attorney wraps up their side of the case, each party will make their closing arguments to summarize their position and solidify why the judge should rule in their favor.

• The Judgment is Decided and Finalized

The trial will conclude after the judge offers his or her final judgment on the case.

This is when all decisions regarding the divorce, including asset and debt division, child custody and support, spousal support, and any other defined arrangements are reached.

The official divorce decree will be entered and legally binding, and each party will sign the document to finalize the divorce.

The Land Legal Group is Aggressively Prepared to Litigate Your Divorce Inside the Courtroom

At the Land Legal Group, our experienced divorce attorneys in Los Angeles are skilled litigators who will fight for our clients’ complete divorce needs inside and outside the courtroom.

No matter how complex or challenging your divorce may seem, our veteran family law attorneys will provide the knowledge and leverage you need to pursue results during your trial, so you can move forward with confidence.

If you have questions about what a divorce will mean for your family’s future, contact our skilled divorce attorneys in Los Angeles County today at (310) 552-3500 to learn how we can help you understand your rights and outline your options, so you can make informed decisions about your future.