At the Harris Family Law Group, our divorce attorneys in Los Angeles understand how incredibly difficult it is for our clients to make the very final decision to dissolve their marriages.
Whether you have been married for two years or 20 and have multiple minor children or none at all, your California divorce is unique and filled with multiple factors that require you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse to make serious decisions about your futures.
Our Los Angeles County lawyers also know that depending on the couple and their relationship’s dynamics, sometimes these choices can be made in private whether that is in your own home or during mediation and other times they must be litigated inside the courtroom.
No matter which direction your case takes, our skilled divorce attorneys will provide a customized legal approach to producing real-time results for your temporary needs and long-term solutions that will positively impact your future.
A contested divorce is when the spouses cannot agree on one or more aspects of the divorce, such as child custody, child support, spousal support, or property division. In a contested divorce, the court will ultimately make the final decision on these issues.
An uncontested divorce is when both spouses agree on all aspects of the divorce, including the division of assets and liabilities, child custody, and child support. In an uncontested divorce, the parties can submit a written agreement to the court and ask for the court’s approval.
Aside from these two types of divorce, there are also alternative dispute resolution methods that can be used to resolve divorce-related issues without going through the court system. Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps the parties come to an agreement on divorce-related issues, while collaborative divorce involves each party hiring an attorney to represent them, but the attorneys work together to negotiate a settlement agreement without going to court.
It’s important to note that California is a “no-fault” divorce state, meaning that neither spouse needs to prove fault or wrongdoing by the other in order to obtain a divorce. As long as one spouse believes that the marriage is irretrievably broken, a divorce can be granted.
The types of divorce in California differ too, and may include:
Separation and divorce are legal terms that describe different stages of the process of ending a marriage or a domestic partnership.
A separation occurs when a couple decides to live apart from each other, but they are still legally married or in a domestic partnership. During this time, they may make arrangements for child custody, support, and property division, but they are not yet divorced. Separation can be an interim step toward divorce, but it can also be a long-term arrangement if the couple does not want to divorce for personal, religious, or financial reasons.
On the other hand, a divorce is a legal process of ending a marriage or domestic partnership. Once a divorce is finalized, the couple is no longer legally married or in a domestic partnership, and they can remarry or form a new partnership. Divorce involves a court proceeding, and it typically requires the couple to resolve issues such as child custody, support, and property division.
While separation and divorce both involve the couple living apart, the legal status and the process involved in each are different. Separation is a choice to live apart without ending the marriage, while divorce is a legal process that ends the marriage or domestic partnership.
In many jurisdictions, there is a waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. The waiting period serves several purposes, including giving the parties time to reconsider the decision to divorce, providing an opportunity for the parties to resolve issues related to property division, spousal support, and child custody, and ensuring that the divorce is not granted until all legal requirements have been met.
The waiting period may vary from state to state and can range from a few days to several months. Some states require a mandatory waiting period, while others allow parties to waive the waiting period under certain circumstances.
One of the main reasons for the waiting period is to prevent hasty decisions. Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, and many people may rush into it without fully considering the consequences. The waiting period provides a cooling-off period and allows the parties to reflect on their decision.
Another reason for the waiting period is to give the parties time to negotiate and settle any outstanding issues, such as property division and child custody. This can help to reduce the workload of the courts and ensure that the divorce is finalized in a timely and efficient manner.
Overall, the waiting period in divorce cases serves an important purpose in ensuring that the divorce process is fair, efficient, and in the best interests of all parties involved.
The divorce process in California typically begins with filing a petition for divorce with the Superior Court of California in the county where either spouse resides. The petitioner must then serve the other spouse with the divorce papers, which typically include the petition, summons, and other required forms.
The responding spouse may then file a response to the petition, either agreeing or disagreeing with the terms outlined in the petition. If the spouses cannot agree on the terms of the divorce, they may need to attend a court hearing to resolve any issues.
In California, divorce is considered a “no-fault” process, meaning that neither spouse needs to prove fault or wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. The court will divide property and assets according to California’s community property laws, which generally means that assets acquired during the marriage will be divided equally between the spouses.
The divorce process in California typically takes at least six months to complete, as there is a mandatory waiting period after filing for divorce. However, the actual timeline may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
California is a no-fault divorce state, which means one spouse does not have to prove the other did anything to harm the marriage to dissolve it. They can simply cite irreconcilable differences as the reason for the dissolution and move forward with the divorce proceedings.
At the Harris Family Law Group, our divorce attorney in Los Angeles understands that no matter whose idea it was to divorce even if both spouses agreed to execute the details can place you in a difficult physical and emotional headspace if you are unsure of your legal rights and options.
We can help with more than the logistics of your divorce but also help shoulder the stress that comes with the serious decisions you must make to keep the process moving.
That will include outlining the marital details to determine who is entitled to, or responsible for, the following elements:
In California, marital property is split during what is called “equitable distribution,” which most of our clients soon find is not the same thing as “equal.”
This means the distribution of assets and debts will differ for each client we represent, which is why our Los Angeles divorce attorney will leave no detail to chance when outlining the circumstances surrounding your financial, physical, and emotional future.
It is important to partner with a skilled divorce lawyer who will protect your rights and prioritize your best interests to ensure you leave the marriage with everything you are entitled to.
And since no two divorces are alike, and our leading California family law firm is committed to providing unique strategic solutions for each of our clients, so they know their case is fully customized to fit their personal needs.
At the Harris Family Law Group, we partner with our clients to ensure they receive the best representation possible, including a significantly favorable outcome because of their divorce settlement, because we know your future is bright and we want to help ensure it stays that way.
Our California family law firm also focuses on the following practice areas, which allows us to combine our client’s legal needs or provide singular solutions for their unique requirements, including:
The Harris Family Law Group believes everyone is entitled to affordable, top-notch family law representation, and appreciates the opportunity to partner with our clients, no matter their legal needs. That is why we charge flat rate legal fees, so you will never have to worry about the number of billable hours we spend on your case.
Contact us today to learn more about our Los Angeles Family law attorney, and how we design customized legal strategies for each of our clients, so you can begin planning your future with confidence today.
Hiring the Harris Family Law Group to handle your divorce can provide you with numerous benefits during this challenging time. Here are a few reasons why you should consider working with their team:
Experience: The Harris Family Law Group has been providing legal services in the area of family law for over 20 years. They have the experience and expertise to guide you through the divorce process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Personalized attention: Their team understands that each case is unique and requires individualized attention. They will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and goals, and create a customized plan to help you achieve them.
Communication: The Harris Family Law Group believes that communication is key to a successful divorce case. They will keep you informed every step of the way and be available to answer any questions you may have.
Results-oriented approach: Their team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients. They will work tirelessly to negotiate a fair settlement or represent you in court to protect your interests.
In summary, hiring the Harris Family Law Group can provide you with peace of mind during the divorce process, knowing that you have a knowledgeable and compassionate team on your side.
If you are considering a divorce with or without minor children or child custody-related legal needs our skilled Los Angeles divorce attorneys will provide a personalized approach to outlining your unique needs, so you can start putting your new life together today.
Contact our experienced divorce attorney in Los Angeles, CA at the Harris Family Law Group today at 310-745-8644 to discover how we can help you navigate your family law proceedings with precision, so you can take control of your life without delay.
In order to file for divorce in Los Angeles, either you or your spouse must have lived in California for at least six months prior to filing. Additionally, you must have lived in the county where you file for divorce for at least three months.
The length of time it takes to get a divorce in Los Angeles can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the parties are able to reach an agreement on key issues such as property division and child custody. However, in general, it can take several months to a year or more to finalize a divorce.
Yes, it is possible to get a divorce without going to court through methods such as mediation or collaborative divorce. These options can be less costly and time-consuming than traditional litigation and can allow the parties to work together to reach an agreement that is in the best interests of everyone involved.
California is a community property state, which means that all property and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally between both spouses. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as property acquired before the marriage or through inheritance or gift.
Possibly. Our Los Angeles family law attorney would need to review the circumstances of your marriage and the appropriate factors that determine your eligibility for spousal support or alimony in California. We can discuss your divorce and support options during a free initial consultation, so you can start planning your future.
Life-changing events often require legal representation, including divorce. Many important variables must be outlined when two people decide to divorce, even when they do not have children. Even if you and your spouse believe you can make all the decisions necessary to split – including dividing marital property – it is always a good idea to have a family law attorney in Los Angeles review the agreement before signing it.
When choosing a Los Angeles divorce attorney, it’s important to look for an attorney with experience in divorce and family law, who is responsive to your needs and concerns, and who communicates clearly and effectively. You should also feel comfortable working with the attorney and trust their advice and guidance.
Even if your spouse does not want a divorce, you can still proceed with the process. California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need your spouse’s consent to file for divorce. Our attorneys can guide you through the necessary steps to move forward.
To file for divorce in Los Angeles, you need to complete and file a petition for dissolution of marriage with the court, serve your spouse with the divorce papers, and wait for them to respond. If your spouse agrees to the terms, you can proceed with a settlement agreement. If not, the case may go to trial.
No, California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove wrongdoing by your spouse to file for divorce. You simply need to state that there are irreconcilable differences that have led to the breakdown of the marriage.
To protect your interests during a divorce, gather and organize all financial documents, avoid making major financial decisions without consulting your attorney, and communicate openly with your attorney about your goals and concerns. Your attorney will advocate on your behalf to ensure a fair outcome.
If you need protection from your spouse during your divorce, our attorneys can help you obtain a restraining order. We will guide you through the process and ensure your safety and legal rights are protected.
