American Law Center

What's the Difference Between Contested vs. Uncontested Divorces in California

Have you and your spouse decided that your marriage is not working out and that a divorce will be best for both of you? If so, you should be aware of the two primary forms of divorce: contested and uncontested. To learn more about these two types of divorces in accordance with California law and how a divorce attorney can help you, continue reading:

What is a contested divorce?

A contested divorce takes place when a pair of spouses cannot come to a mutual agreement on every aspect of their divorce. The nature of this disagreement can range from the inability to reach common ground on a financial settlement to one party’s lack of desire to divorce.

What is an uncontested divorce?

An uncontested divorce is characterized by the ability of both parties to negotiate the details of their divorce without a judge’s intercession. In order for a divorce to be uncontested, a couple must be able to mutually agree on the division of property, child support and custody, alimony, and a number of other issues.

Is one type better than the other?

On average, uncontested divorces are much less costly than contested divorces. They also tend to be more amicable. However, contested divorces exist as an option because not all marriages can end in an uncontested manner. Allowing divorce lawyers to negotiate for you in the courtroom and having a judge act as a third party can mitigate and even prevent potential hostilities.

Are you a Riverside or San Bernardino County resident who is seeking a divorce from your spouse? For a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who will work to keep your divorce costs low, contact the American Law Center today. Call (909) 498-4566 to arrange a free consultation with a San Bernardino divorce attorney who will help you reach a favorable settlement.

Do You Need a Criminal Defense or Bankruptcy Lawyer? Let's Find Out.

Whether you need financial advice or legal representation, you’ll find that a lawyer can be a great help. For more information, check out these additional links:

• Are you having trouble staying out of debt? Head over to this page from CNN.com to learn how to keep yourself from overwhelming debt.
• If you have a steady income, filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy could be a great option for you. Learn more at USCourts.gov.
• Is it the right time to file for bankruptcy? Ask us at American Law Center. We can help.
• What’s the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor? This page has the answer.  

• Convicts have to live with harsh consequences. Read the federal statutes imposing collateral consequences upon conviction at Justice.gov to learn more.

For more information, call the American Law Center at (909) 498-4566.

Understanding How a Criminal Conviction Can Affect Your Life

Whether it’s speeding or jaywalking, most of us have broken the law in one form or another. However, if you are charged with a serious crime, you may find your life on a profoundly different course than you expected. Here are a few of the ways in which a criminal conviction can affect your life and why you need an experienced criminal defense attorney:

• Sentencing: Depending on the seriousness of your crime and your prior convictions, you may receive some combination of fines, jail time, probation and other punishments. Whether you’re convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony, you’ll find that some of your basic freedoms are immediately revoked or restricted.
• Reputation: As soon as the guilty verdict is read and your sentence handed down, people will begin to talk. People at work, in your social circles, and even in your own family will see you in a different light, even if they insist that nothing’s changed. If your conviction is serious enough, close friends and family may even completely dissociate themselves from you.
• Long-Term Consequences: Unfortunately, the consequences of your conviction don’t end the minute you’re released from jail. If you’re convicted of a misdemeanor, potential landlords, employers, or lenders will know about it for years, making life extremely difficult. If convicted of a felony, you will no longer have the right to vote or own firearms. However, if you hire a good lawyer, you may be able to keep your misdemeanor conviction off your record, or better yet, prevent yourself from ever being convicted.

If you’re currently facing criminal charges and are in need of a good lawyer, contact the American Law Center in San Bernardino. Our attorneys will work hard to investigate your charges, and if necessary, argue your case in front of a judge and jury. Call our office today at (909) 498-4566 to learn more about our services.   

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.

Recognizing When Bankruptcy is a Good Option

Handling finances is an art that many people never quite master. Getting laid off, suffering exorbitant medical bills or getting a divorce are all reasons why a good person might themselves in financial trouble. Here are a few signs that it’s time to file for bankruptcy:

• You’re deep in debt. For most people, small debt is manageable. Unfortunately, some debts have a way of stacking up until they become virtually impossible to overcome. If your total debt is growing faster than you can pay it off, you should strongly consider filing for bankruptcy.  
• You’re facing foreclosure. If your poor finances cause you to miss a couple of monthly mortgage payments, it won’t be long until your lender decides to foreclose on your home. Once you file for bankruptcy, a district court will release an automatic stay, which will delay the foreclosure process up to four months or until the bankruptcy process is over. If you rearrange your debts with Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you may even be able to make up the missed payments and keep your house.   

• You are out of options. Most experts agree that bankruptcy should be a last resort. If you’ve already tried and failed to consolidate your debts and cut back on spending, bankruptcy may be your only choice. Once you file for bankruptcy, you’ll finally be free of debt and creditors.

If you’re contemplating filing for bankruptcy, contact the American Law Center in San Bernardino.  We recognize that the need to file for bankruptcy represents a difficult time in your life. That’s why our experienced bankruptcy attorneys will help you through the bankruptcy process and address any of your concerns. Call our office today at (909) 498-4566 to learn more about our services.

Requirements for Eligibility for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Many people encounter serious financial problems at some point in time. If you accrue too much debt, you may even need to file for bankruptcy.

This short video discusses Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which is a fine option for many people. If you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you cannot have more than a certain amount of debt.

If you’re considering filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, contact the American Law Center. For nearly three decades, we’ve helped the people of San Bernardino find suitable financial solutions. Call our office at (909) 498-4566 to learn more about our services.