PASADENA
DIVORCE LITIGATION LAWYER
Experienced Divorce Litigation Lawyer in Pasadena, CA
Just as no two marriages are the same, the same is also true of divorces. When emotions are raw people often need the assistance of attorneys to speak for them. In the litigation or traditional divorce model, each party hires an attorney to be their advocate and voice.
Keep in mind that if you choose the litigation path, it does not mean your case cannot settle, it just means you have access to the court for enforcement and orders. The vast majority of litigated divorce cases and other matters are resolved by out-of-court settlements.
So while you want a strong litigator, you also want an attorney who can negotiate with the other side and resolve conflicts whenever possible. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced Pasadena divorce attorney who can guide you through the complexities of the process, answer your questions, and prepare you for the future.
Why do people choose a traditional divorce or litigation?
Sometimes emotions are at a boiling point when couples finally decide to separate. Sometimes the decision to divorce is not mutual, and this by itself creates an adversarial position between the parties. Sometimes your spouse is hiding assets or withholding financial support. Sometimes there are substance abuse or mental health issues. Sometimes one party is in fear of emotional and physical abuse from the other spouse or partner. Sometimes one party has more money or is the more educated spouse, creating unequal bargaining positions. You may need access to the court system for relief for any of these reasons.
Patricia recognizes that each situation is unique and will work to develop a strategy tailored to your needs. While Patricia will work diligently to resolve you issues, she is ready to go to court when necessary. If you are looking for a seasoned, family law trial attorney who will work to resolve your issues without going to court at every turn, Patricia is the legal advocate for you. The Law Offices of Patricia Rigdon has successfully litigated child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence and property division issues on behalf of her clients.
The Litigation Process: What to Expect
Divorce litigation in California begins with a Petition for Dissolution (Form FL-100), filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court for a filing fee of $435 (in 2026, subject to change). Filing the petition also puts Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders, known as ATROs, into effect. ATROs stop both spouses from moving money, selling major property, or changing insurance beneficiaries without written agreement or a court order.
Your spouse then has 30 days to file a response. Additionally, the petitioner must serve financial disclosures within 60 days of filing the petition, and the respondent must serve theirs within 60 days of filing their response.
California also requires a waiting period of six months and one day, measured from the date your spouse is served, before any divorce can become final, even if both spouses agree on every issue.
Discovery in a Litigated Divorce
When negotiation breaks down, formal discovery becomes the main tool for finding out the truth about income, property, and debt. Under the Civil Discovery Act, each spouse can serve written questions, demand documents, take depositions, and subpoena bank or business records. This process gives a litigating spouse a legal path to find hidden assets or undisclosed income that a purely cooperative process might never uncover.
Where Your Case Will Be Heard
Family law cases from the Pasadena area are heard at the Pasadena Courthouse, located at 300 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91101. This courthouse is part of the Los Angeles Superior Court’s Northeast District.
Every new family law filing in Los Angeles County must include the local FAM-020 Family Law Case Cover Sheet.
If your case involves a custody or visitation dispute the parties cannot resolve on their own, Family Court Services requires mediation before a judge will hear the issue.
Patricia Rigdon’s Family Law Credentials
Patricia A. Rigdon is a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS), a credential the California Board of Legal Specialization awards only to family law attorneys who meet advanced experience, education, and testing requirements. She has been selected to Super Lawyers every year from 2014 through 2026. Since 2010, Patricia has also served as a volunteer daily settlement officer for the Pasadena Superior Court, a role the court entrusts only to attorneys it trusts to help resolve other people’s cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Litigation in Pasadena
How long does a litigated divorce take in California?
California requires a six month and one day waiting period after your spouse is served before a divorce can be finalized. Contested cases with court hearings often take a year or longer.
What happens right after I file for divorce?
Filing your petition puts Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders, or ATROs, into effect, which stop both spouses from moving money or changing insurance without agreement. Your spouse then has 30 days to file a response.
Do I have to go through mediation before going to court?
Yes, if your case involves a custody or visitation dispute. Los Angeles County requires mediation through Family Court Services before a judge will hear a contested custody matter.
What is the Civil Discovery Act, and how does it apply to my divorce?
The Civil Discovery Act lets each spouse formally request documents, financial records, and sworn testimony from the other side. It is a key tool for uncovering hidden income or assets in a contested divorce.
Can my case still settle even if I file for litigation?
Yes. Choosing litigation gives you access to the court for enforcement and hearings, but most litigated cases still settle before trial through negotiation or a settlement conference.
Will my children have to testify in my divorce case?
No law requires it. Under California Family Code § 3042, a child age 14 or older who wants to address the court about custody or visitation generally must be permitted to do so, unless the judge decides it would not be in the child’s best interest. Children under 14 may also share a preference if the court finds it appropriate for their age and maturity. Courts typically do not have children testify in front of both parents; input is often gathered through a custody evaluator, mediator, or minor’s counsel instead, or the judge speaks with the child privately. A child’s stated preference is only one factor among many the court weighs, not something that decides the case on its own.
What happens if my spouse doesn’t respond to the divorce petition?
If your spouse does not file a Response (Form FL-120) within 30 days of being served, you can ask the court to enter their default. A default lets the case move forward without the other spouse’s participation, and the court can grant the requests in your petition without their input. You will still need to complete financial disclosures and wait out the six-month and one-day waiting period before the divorce becomes final. Filing for default doesn’t close the door on negotiation. A spouse who responds late can sometimes still be brought back into the case. If you’re unsure whether default is the right move for your situation, it’s worth talking through with an attorney first.
Can I get temporary custody or support orders while my case is still in court?
While your divorce case is pending, either spouse can file a Request for Order (Form FL-300) asking the judge for temporary custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, or use of the family home. These temporary orders hold until the final judgment and are usually set after a single court hearing, not a full trial. They matter because litigation can take months, and families still need arrangements for daily life, like who covers the mortgage or where the kids sleep on school nights. If circumstances change later, either spouse can ask the court to modify a temporary order before the case is resolved.
Is there a faster option if my spouse and I agree on everything?
Yes. As of January 1, 2026, California’s new Joint Petition (Form FL-700) lets couples who agree on all terms file together for one shared $435 fee, with no formal service required (Source: SB 1427).
Now Is the Time to Protect Your Rights if You Are Considering a Divorce in Pasadena
Divorce litigation is a big decision, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Patricia A. Rigdon has spent decades helping Pasadena families through contested divorces, from the first filing to the final judgment. Whether you need a strong voice in court or someone who can still push for a fair settlement along the way, Patricia will build a strategy around your situation.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and to talk through your case.
Serving Pasadena and Los Angeles County, California
Divorce can be one of the most significant legal and personal transitions a person experiences. Whether you and your spouse are working toward an amicable settlement through mediation or preparing to resolve contested issues through litigation, having experienced legal counsel can help protect your rights and your future. The Law Office of Patricia A. Rigdon represents individuals and families throughout Pasadena with strategic guidance tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, helping them navigate every stage of the divorce process with confidence.
The firm assists clients with divorce mediation, contested divorce litigation, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, high-asset divorce, and other complex family law matters. Divorce cases involving Pasadena residents are generally handled through the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Pasadena Courthouse, depending on the issues involved. The Law Office of Patricia A. Rigdon works closely with clients to negotiate favorable settlements whenever possible while remaining fully prepared to advocate aggressively in court when litigation becomes necessary.
The firm serves clients throughout Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, San Gabriel, and surrounding communities across the San Gabriel Valley. Conveniently located near Interstate 210, State Route 134, and major Pasadena business districts, the firm provides responsive legal representation for individuals facing both straightforward and highly contested divorces. Whether your goal is to reach a cooperative agreement through mediation or protect your interests during litigation, experienced legal counsel can help you pursue the best possible outcome.
Helping Families Throughout Pasadena
Pasadena is home to families with diverse financial, professional, and personal backgrounds, making every divorce unique. From neighborhoods surrounding Old Pasadena, Hastings Ranch, and Bungalow Heaven to communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley, The Law Office of Patricia A. Rigdon is committed to helping clients resolve divorce matters efficiently while protecting their parental rights, financial interests, and long-term future.
Pasadena, CA Divorce Litigation Additional Resources:
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IS LITIGATION RIGHT FOR YOU?
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.