Divorce Process: Discovery & Negotiation

What Does the Discovery Process Entail?

Undergoing a divorce, whether it is contested or uncontested, can bring to light various issues that require swift and effective resolution. At our firm, we urge couples to use mediation and collaborative divorce methods to reach agreement on all aspects of their divorce. When this does not occur, the court will decide for you regarding the matters of your divorce settlement. In some cases, however, discovery and/or negotiation will be required to reach a settlement or complete a contested divorce in court. This is where having a lawyer at your side can make a difference in the final outcome of your case.

Reaching a Divorce Settlement

When spouses cannot agree upon matters related to their divorce or separation, negotiation can prove to be an invaluable tool. It offers numerous benefits, including helping spouses save money by avoiding court as well as letting the parties control the outcome. Many people prefer this as opposed to having a third party (a judge) rule upon issues that will drastically affect their lives. Our lawyers are proven negotiators in all aspects of divorce and family law.

The "discovery" phase of a divorce involves gathering information about either party in the divorce. This may include disclosures, interrogatories, admissions of fact, requests for production and depositions. Discovery is typically only necessary in a contested divorce or situation where a settlement cannot be reached by both parties. When spouses are going through a separation or divorce, one spouse may try to hide relevant financial information such as excess income, assets or revenue from a family-owned business. Our attorneys work hard to recover hidden funds or assets that should be subject to joint distribution.

At Hanson, Gorian, Bradford & Hanich, we provide personalized service for those who come to us for assistance. Our lawyers understand you are depending upon our experience and knowledge of the law to help you navigate through a tough time. By using the tools of negotiation and discovery, we strive to reach a successful conclusion in your divorce case so that matters like property division and spousal support can be decided fairly.

Contact Hanson, Gorian, Bradford & Hanich today at (951) 506-6654 for a consultation.