Some divorcing couples may want their divorce resolved as quickly as possible. In California, the legal minimum time requirement that a dissolution can be entered is six months from the date of service of the Petition to the entered judgment. However, oftentimes, complex financial matters or other contentious questions make the process much longer.
Fortunately, California’s Family Code provides an alternative option: Courts may allow parties to request a bifurcation, which essentially gives the Court the leeway to grant a divorce before other outstanding issues are resolved. Bifurcation is the separation of one or more issues in a case. There are some practical reasons to submit a motion to bifurcate. In a status-only bifurcation, which effectively restores the parties to “single” again, a common motive is that one or both of the parties wish to remarry immediately. Another reason is to protect the best interests of the children. Many parties feel that it is easier to negotiate the remaining issues once the divorce is settled.
The divorce attorneys at The Zhou Law Group, APC can help you determine whether bifurcation would be applicable in your divorce proceedings. To arrange a free 1/2 hour initial consultation, call (408)289-9688, or contact us online at www.sanjoseattorneys.com.
