Divorce

There may be some immediate issues in your divorce that require Court intervention. The Court does not automatically set hearings or trial. You must ask the Court for a hearing if you need temporary orders, as it may take many months or years to get a trial date. You may file a Request for Order any time after initiating the dissolution for issues such as who will live in the marital home, custody and visitation orders, child and spousal support, or attorney’s fees. These issues can be negotiated between spouses, but if no agreement is reached, a hearing ensures that the Judge will make orders on these issues. The family law attorneys at Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde utilize their strong negotiation skills to resolve preliminary issues. If negotiation fails, CKLH files a Request for Order to obtain immediate help for clients.

A dissolution is uncontested when a divorce Judgment is obtained by Stipulation or Agreement of the parties. These dissolutions can be completed by the submission of Judgment paperwork directly to the Court and without ever appearing before a judge. Many divorces that begin contested resolve before trial when the parties find common ground. An attorney who is committed to achieving out of court resolutions is essential to this outcome. The family law attorneys at Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde are skilled negotiators who aggressively advocate your position and obtain a successful resolution without ever going to court.

In a Collaborative Divorce, the parties commit to resolve their dissolution out of court. Each party is represented by an attorney who is also committed to working together to arrive at a Stipulated Judgment. This process only works when the parties trust each other and agree to compromise when they disagree. The family law attorneys at CKLH assess whether a case is suited for the collaborative divorce process, and will work with you to achieve a peaceful end to your marriage.

Sometimes it is just not possible for parties to agree on the many issues necessary to obtain a dissolution.  When parties disagree over the division of their property, custody and visitation, spousal support, and attorney’s fees, litigation will be required. Attending preliminary hearings and a trial is the most emotionally wrought and costly way to obtain a divorce.

At trial, the Judge will hear evidence and make decisions on any issues the parties do not agree upon. The family law attorneys at Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde apply a detailed approach to preparing for each trial and aggressively advocate each client’s positions to the judge.

Parties who have been married 5 years or less, have no children, and meet other requirements may agree to have their marriage dissolved by summary dissolution. The family law attorneys at Cottle Keen Lopiccolo & Heyde can assist you obtaining a dissolution through this process should your case qualify.