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Married people consistently start off with the best aims and attempt to make things work in their marriage. Sadly, not all relationships are intended to last forever. When it comes to ending a marriage, it’s always excellent if a couple can resolve any existing problems via informal means.
However, if you and your prospective ex can’t reach a resolution by yourselves, a family court divorce hearing may be necessary. In such a case, you should contact a competent Tacoma Divorce Attorney from Alliance Law Group to help you through the divorce process.
In this post, we will give you an overview of what to expect during a final judgment in a family court divorce hearing.
The Basics
Most divorce cases arrive at a settlement of some sort. They do so either via informal negotiations between the divorcing spouses or more structured procedures like mediation and collaborative law.
Yet, in some separation cases, no settlement is achievable. That occurs when the spouses are excessively far apart in their individual wishes and what they perceive as reasonable arrangements on issues. They cannot agree on child custody, support, and asset division matters.
In such circumstances, the divorce case will be taken to family court, at the county court where the petition was documented. Usually, one judge presides over the divorce matter and them issues the couple with a final judgment of divorce. However, the spouses may reserve the privilege to demand a jury trial.
Presentation of Evidence and Arguments
During a family court divorce hearing in Tacoma, each spouse’s lawyer presents proof and contentions identified with the divorce. The attorneys make the presentation on matters like child custody, support and visitation, alimony, and division of marital property. Divorce in a marriage dissolution court hearing may come in the following forms:
- Testimony from each spouse
- Witness declarations – including kids (if mature enough) and expert witnesses (e.g., financial analysts and property valuation specialists)
- Documents, which may include records identified with conjugal property and financial accounts
As every party displays its evidence and contentions, the opposite side has a chance to address observers and challenge proof through interrogation. They can challenge the story of the witnesses, test their validity, question records, and generally try to discredit observers and proof.
Final Judgment in a Family Court Divorce Hearing
After listening and studying the evidence presented, the judge or jury will give a final ruling settling the divorce matters. After arriving at a decision, the judge awards the marriage dissolution and enters a judgment making the divorce and encompassing issues final. The judgment directs various things about ex-spouses rights and duties, which include:
- Division of marital property and debts, and settling other money-related issues
- Child custody, visitation arrangement, and living plans
- Child and spousal support: who pays, who gets how much, at what time, and so on
Legal gavel on top of divorce papers
When a judgment is made, the spouses can choose to appeal the decision of a trial court judge to a higher court. However, it’s rare for a higher court to overturn a trial court judge’s or jury’s ruling in a divorce case.
Talk to a Tacoma Divorce Attorney Today!
Although you may want to have an amicable divorce with your spouse, couples frequently have to attend family court divorce hearings. Regardless of whether it’s settled casually or officially, you’re going to require a competent lawyer close by to put forth your defense. Contact an accomplished Tacoma Divorce Attorney from Alliance Law Group who can help guide you on the divorce process. Give us a call today at 253-300-2055.