How many divorces actually go to trial?

About five percent of divorce cases do go to trial. The divorce proceedings may take anywhere from less than one year to a few years, depending on the location of the divorce.

How many people are divorced in America?

Marriage and Divorce. Data are for the U.S. Number of divorces: 827,261 (44 reporting States and D.C.) Divorce rate: 3.2 per 1,000 population (44 reporting States and D.C.)

What happens on the first day of trial in a divorce?

However, many divorces will settle on the first day of trial. Therefore, you and your spouse will eventually settle the case and enter into an Agreement (also called the “Stipulation of Settlement” or “divorce papers”). The Agreement is a contract between you and your spouse and it will set forth all the terms and conditions of your divorce.

Why are so many people considering a divorce?

Many people who are considering a divorce have never had a marriage that was anything more than two individuals meeting their own needs. They may have raised children and shared a home but they participated in those activities from a competitive rather than unified position.

Is it true that everyone is ready for divorce?

Most books and articles on divorce are written based on the assumption that once a couple says they want a divorce that they are ready for divorce. It is our experience as therapists and divorce coaches, who have helped many people through this process that this is in fact not the case.

How is a trial held in a divorce?

A divorce trial is usually held in front of a judge, or it may be held in front of a jury in some cases. During a trial, both sides will present evidence and call witnesses to support their claims on issues such as a division of assets, child custody, spousal and child support and other related matters.

Why are divorce trials so complicated in California?

That is because such trials have more documents and more witnesses. When you add expert witnesses (like forensic accountants, appraisers, etc.) or there are private child custody evaluators involved, the trial becomes even more complicated. What are the California divorce trial statutes and court rules?

How are exhibits introduced in a divorce trial?

Generally, before trial, each spouse will provide the judge and the other spouse/spouse’s attorney with an exhibit list. At trial you or your attorney (if you’re representing yourself) will have to introduce exhibits. An exhibit must be introduced and accepted by the court.

Why does it take so long to get a divorce date?

Due to court backlogs, it can take months — or more — to get a trial date. Before the divorce trial, the judge will want the parties to try one last time to settle all disputed matters by attending a pre-trial conference or court-ordered mediation to discuss the issues. If nothing else, it narrows down the issues for trial.