“In an uncontested dissolution: Respondent files Response, parties resolve all issues [without a] trial. All issues of the divorce are reduced to a written agreement called a [Marital Settlement Agreement or] MSA.
In a contested dissolution: Before the trial, a MSA is prepared for undisputed and resolved issues, a settlement conference may be required, and a trial notebook is prepared for trial (if required). At the trial, only disputed issues are presented for a decision, and the judge decides all of the disputed issues.”
[LW Greenberg, California Family Law]
