Legal Question in Family Law in California

Judgement of Dissolution of Marriage

My husband and I both signed a Judgement of Dissolution of Marriage in November 2000. In February of 2001, I received another copy of the same Judgement, but with changes made by my husband's attorney. (I am representing myself). The changes are to my advantage, so my question is basically, can my husband do anything to have them changed again before they are submitted to court, and if he can and does, should I receive a copy with any other changes? I received a form LA-377 that states: ''Pursuant to the Stipulated Judgement of Dissolution entered into by the Petitioner and Respondent, and attached hereto,'' (All in caps) ''The Parties further stipulate that this cause may proceed as an uncontested matter without notice''. Does this answer my question? If so, please explain. Thank you so much.


Asked on 2/18/01, 7:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

E. Daniel Bors Jr. Attorney & Counselor At Law

Re: Judgement of Dissolution of Marriage

Dear Inquirer:

Nothing herein shall create an attorney-client

relationship, unless a written retainer agreement

is executed by the attorney and client. This

communication contains general information only.

Nothing herein shall constitute an attorney-client

communication nor legal advice. There likely are

deadlines and time-limits associated with your

case; you should contact an attorney of your

choice for legal advice specific to your personal

situation, at once.

If you haven't already done so, please visit my

web site at --

http://home.pacbell.net/edbjr/ OR

http://www.CaliforniaDivorceAttorney.com

The site contains quite a bit of general

information about California Family Law, as well

as information about me (education, experience,

et cetera) and my office (location, hours, fees,

policies).

NOW, IN RESPONSE TO YOUR INQUIRY --

I am not clear about the facts of your case.

After a stipulated judgment or stipulation for

judgment is signed by the parties and their

attorneys, it then is ready to be submitted to

the court for execution by a judge or commissioner

and entry by the clerk. If changes are to be made

after the document is signed by the parties and

their attorneys, they must be by mutual agreement and

most lawyers will have the document re-typed and

re-signed, but I suppose it is possible to change

just a page or pages and submit the altered version to the court.

Keep copies of each version before and after signing

to the extent you can. When you get the notice of

entry of judgment directly from the court clerk,

go to the courthouse and get a conformed copy of the

judgment and make sure it reflects what you agreed

to. If not, contact a lawyer immediately to get

the judgment set aside (there are STRICT time limits

for appealing or otherwise attacking a judgment.

Read more
Answered on 4/03/01, 4:28 pm


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