My question involves a marriage in the state of: CA
My stbex's lawyer is going to be serving me with a dissolution petition soon for a 14-yr marriage with 2 kids. Although we tried as best we could to agree on the issues of child support, spousal support, and asset division beforehand, I'm anticipating there'll be a few terms in the petition I will disagree with.
My question is: once I file my response with what I agree and disagree with, what happens next? Will I be able to negotiate a settlement on our differences after this or will this be heading to court?
I'm currently not lawyered up because I'm trying to do the right thing to cooperate and collaborate and avoid costly litigation ... should I be retaining a lawyer now?

