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You’ve decided to file for divorce – now what?
Divorce creates profound stress and emotion, and often precipitates other changes in your life. The outcome of your case can affect you and your family for many years to come. For these reasons, it is essential to find attorneys that adequately represent your interests and make the divorce process as smooth as possible. Unlike other firms that generate frivolous charges, and drag out the court process for their own financial benefit, Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates focuses on the most cost-effective approach, so that this difficult time does not cause unnecessary financial stress.
We offer a free consultation to provide you with straightforward information, so that you have peace of mind during this difficult time. We make sure you are knowledgeable about the entire divorce process, as well as all of your potential options. Moreover, we continually keep you updated throughout your case.
To initiate the divorce proceedings, we will file a Complaint for Divorce in the county in which you reside.
If you and your spouse agree on the terms of your divorce (i.e. who is to receive which items, child custody and support, and spousal support), we will draft a Consent Judgment of Divorce. For cases without children, a case can be finalized after sixty (60) days. For cases with children, there is a statutory waiting period of six (6) months. After sixty (60) days, this waiting period can be waived on motion of the court, if there is a compelling reason to waive the waiting period.
If you and your spouse do not agree on the terms of your divorce, the case will proceed to an initial court hearing. At that time, the Judge will set dates to exchange information, and a date to meet with a mediator. Furthermore, if children are involved, the Judge will send the case to Friend of the Court, to determine custody, child support, and parenting time.
If the parties do not settle after exchanging information or attending mediation, the case will proceed to Trial. If the case proceeds to Trial, the Judge will determine the terms of the Judgment of Divorce, and your divorce will be finalized.
To a large extent, the amount of time it takes to finalize your case, and the associated expense involved, depends on the cooperation between you and your spouse.
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