Glendale Divorce Litigation Lawyer
Glendale Divorce Litigation Attorney
Although alternative approaches to divorce, like mediation, are becoming increasingly popular, litigation is sometimes unavoidable. For couples who just can’t agree, or in situations involving abuse or major power imbalances, a fair settlement often requires court intervention. Unfortunately, litigation can be complicated and stressful without legal representation. A Glendale divorce litigation lawyer from the Law Offices of Patricia Rigdon can help.
Client-Centric Family Law in Glendale
At the Law Offices of Patricia Rigdon, we dedicate our practice solely to family law because we know how difficult divorce can be without strong legal support. If litigation is the only path forward in your divorce, you need a Glendale divorce litigation attorney who can take an aggressive stand for your rights and goals. For many clients, Patricia A. Rigdon has been that family attorney in Glendale.
Ms. Rigdon’s status as a Certified Family Law Specialist under the California State Bar is a testament to her skill and comprehensive experience in her field. In addition to being a savvy litigator, Ms. Rigdon has extensive training in collaborative divorce and mediation. She uses her fine-tuned negotiation skills to her clients’ benefit in reaching pre-trial settlements.
Understanding the Divorce Process in California
A divorce case starts when one party files a divorce petition and other forms at their local Superior Court; in Glendale, that’s the LA County Superior Courthouse at 600 East Broadway.
Once the forms are filed, the other party in the marriage will be served with the divorce papers and must respond within 30 days. Next, the petitioner and respondent must disclose financial information to each other and try to work out an agreement about the terms of their divorce.
If they can’t agree about multiple issues or a single complex issue (e.g., who will live in the family home), they will have to request a trial so that a judge can decide for them. In LA County, couples who can’t decide on child custody are also required to attempt custody mediation before their trial.
Much work goes into preparing for a trial. Each party may have to gather evidence, formally request important information from the other party (conducting discovery), invite witnesses to come to the trial (issuing subpoenas), and draft testimony, among other steps.
Many litigated divorce cases are settled out of court during the pre-trial preparation phase. Settlement is less expensive than a full trial, and it gives the parties more control over the outcome, so many good divorce lawyers in Glendale pursue settlement as a goal. Settlements in cases where mediation isn’t possible are generally achieved via attorney-to-attorney negotiation or a four-way conference with the divorcing parties and their attorneys.
The trial itself is a time when both sides have a chance to present evidence, call witnesses, and argue before a judge, who will then issue binding decisions on the contested issues. Some cases require multiple trials to resolve all contested issues.
California’s divorce rate is a bit lower than the national average; according to a report by Bowling Green State University, there’s a 13.1% rate of divorce in California for women who have ever been married, compared to the US average of 14.2%.
Protecting Your Interests in a Contested Divorce
The most effective way to protect your rights in a contested divorce is to hire a divorce litigation lawyer who’s knowledgeable about divorce litigation and laws.
Even an amicable divorce can benefit from a lawyer due to the sheer complexity of the process and the importance of tying up loose ends before any agreement is finalized. In a contested divorce, the burden on an unrepresented litigant is even higher. You have to play the roles of a highly experienced negotiator, public speaker, and legal scholar at once, all while potentially dealing with significant emotional stress.
With an attorney, you don’t have to worry so much about navigating legal procedure, getting paperwork right, advocating for yourself in high-pressure situations, or remembering court deadlines. You don’t have to agonize over what strategies you might not be considering or how to get information from your spouse. You can make time and space to work through the major life changes that divorce brings while a professional handles the rest.
FAQs About Glendale, CA Divorce Litigation Law
How Much Does Divorce Litigation Cost in Glendale?
The cost of a litigated divorce in Glendale depends significantly on the complexity and length of the case, as well as on the rates of any lawyers involved. The LA Times reported in 2025 that the average cost of a litigated divorce with legal representation in California is $17,500.
Do You Have to Live Apart Before Divorce in California?
No, California does not require couples to go through a mandatory separation period of living apart before filing for divorce. Couples can choose to live under the same roof or to live separately, both before filing and during divorce proceedings. However, it should be noted that moving out may affect court judgments regarding custody and alimony, among other things.
Do You Have to Prove Fault in a California Divorce?
California divorce law allows for no-fault divorce, meaning that you don’t have to prove your spouse is at fault for the end of your marriage to pursue a divorce. Either party in the marriage can start the divorce process, even if the other party doesn’t want a divorce or refuses to participate.
How Long Does Divorce Take in California?
Generally, divorce takes at least six months from the beginning of the process to legal finalization. California Family Code 2339 imposes a minimum six-month “cooling-off” period that starts from the day the respondent is served with the divorce petition and summons. This requirement is meant to curb impulsive divorces and give couples time to work out disagreements. A contested divorce that goes to trial may take a year or more, however.
Hire a Divorce Litigation Lawyer in Glendale
If you’re ready to get support from an experienced family lawyer in your divorce litigation case, contact the Law Offices of Patricia Rigdon today to schedule your consultation. Our office is conveniently located near Glendale, in Pasadena, just a block away from beautiful Pasadena City Hall.
Serving Glendale and the Greater Los Angeles Area
When your family faces the challenges of divorce, custody disputes, or other family law matters in Glendale or throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, you need an attorney who understands that preserving your family’s financial resources and emotional well-being is just as important as achieving favorable legal outcomes. Patricia A. Rigdon, Esq., CFLS, practices exclusively in family law and has dedicated her career to finding creative solutions that resolve conflicts without unnecessary court battles—allowing families to invest their resources in rebuilding their lives rather than funding endless litigation.
Based in Southern California and serving Glendale and surrounding communities, Patricia brings both Certified Family Law Specialist credentials and a comprehensive approach to family conflict resolution. Whether through skilled negotiation, mediation, collaborative family law, or vigorous courtroom advocacy when necessary, she tailors her strategy to each client’s unique circumstances and goals. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: exhaust every reasonable avenue for resolution before resorting to costly court intervention, but when talking no longer works and alternative dispute resolution isn’t appropriate, she becomes a fierce advocate ready to be your voice before the judge.
Whether you’re navigating a high-net-worth divorce involving complex asset division, fighting for custody of your children, seeking modification of existing orders, protecting your interests through a prenuptial agreement, or addressing any family law matter in Glendale, partnering with a Certified Family Law Specialist who prioritizes keeping your precious financial resources within your family while still being fully prepared to litigate aggressively when necessary can be the difference between draining your savings on attorney fees and achieving efficient, lasting resolutions that serve your family’s best interests.
Glendale, CA Divorce Litigation Law Additional Resources
Glendale Practice Areas
DO YOU NEED LEGAL HELP?
The mediation process provides a more peaceful alternative to fighting about your personal issues in court. Read more to see if divorce mediation is right for you.
Collaboration brings attorneys, mental health professionals & accountants together to resolve family issues without going to court. Read more to see if a Collaborative Divorce is right for you.
Litigation in the divorce process involves submitting issues to family court in order to resolve them with the assistance of a judge, if both parties cannot reach an agreement in other ways. Read more to see if Divorce Litigation will be needed.