Many of us dream for years about getting married. No one initially dreams of getting divorced. Divorces, even when amicable, are still major transitions with complicated effects and difficult emotions. When separating from a former life partner, no one should have to go it alone. Finding a Chino divorce attorney or separation lawyer near you can be the first step to getting the support you need and facing this transition with greater confidence.
Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney for You
Every family is unique, which means that every divorce is unique, too. This is why the Law Office of Stephanie J. Squires is committed to understanding each client’s needs and guiding families through necessary steps with compassion and competence. With over 20 years of experience in the practice of family law, we have helped sort out a variety of divorces, both uncontested and contested.
Divorces can also lead to further legal complications, such as child custody battles. For couples separating without children, there may be disagreements about property rights or alimony. Even the most amicable of divorces may benefit from a family lawyer helping with mediation. Choosing a family law attorney with experience in a wide range of family law issues means feeling confident that no matter how things play out, you’ll have the help you need.
What Are the Grounds for Divorce?
The California Family Code gives just two types of grounds for divorce:
- Irreconcilable differences that have caused the marriage to break to a point where it can’t be repaired
- Permanent legal incapacity to make decisions
What Constitutes an Irreconcilable Difference?
Irreconcilable differences can describe a wide array of relational differences or disagreements. At the most extreme, this may look like domestic violence, infidelity, criminal activity, or child abuse. The differences may also simply be a difference in personalities or lifestyle preferences, such as approaches to finances, sexual incompatibilities, work-life balance issues, and religious differences.
What Are the Steps of a Divorce?
There are three basic steps involved in a divorce in California:
- The case must be started by filing the correct paperwork. This paperwork will vary depending on whether children are involved.
- The filed paperwork must be served to the other side.
- The parties involved must file further paperwork and reach an official agreement. If there is no agreement reached, then the case must go to court for a judge to make determinations.
What Are Uncontested vs. Contested Divorces?
Uncontested divorces are typically faster, although they can still take several months to complete. In this type of divorce, both parties agree to a particular arrangement, typically still with legal help, and settle their divorce. Uncontested divorces are not appealable, as both parties have already agreed to the terms laid out. However, it might be possible to modify certain agreements later on. Uncontested divorces also do not include a trial or other lengthy legal proceedings.
In an uncontested divorce, parties do not initially agree on the terms of a settlement. Contested divorces are appealable, given that the parties did not initially come to an agreement. Contested divorces may include lengthy court proceedings if the former couple cannot reach a settlement, with a judge making decisions. This can be more stressful and time-consuming than an uncontested divorce but may be necessary if the couple cannot negotiate terms.
How Does Having a Divorce Lawyer With Varied Practice Areas Help?
A separation lawyer can help you with filing the proper paperwork and can also make sure you are responding to the other party promptly. This is particularly helpful if the other party is looking for flaws in your paperwork or trying to find excuses to turn the divorce in their favor.
Skilled attorneys can offer negotiation and mediation skills. These skills can sometimes keep couples from needing to appear in court. Couples who can reach an agreement through mediation may also save money by resolving their divorce more quickly and avoiding extra legal fees.
Divorce attorneys can offer knowledge of laws concerning:
- Child custody
- Child support
- Relocation
- Alimony
- Property division
- Grandparents’ rights
- Paternity rights
- Restraining orders
- Domestic violence
Law Office of Stephanie J. Squires, a family law attorney can advocate for you and your interests. They are equipped to guide you through the steps of a divorce, adapt to your individual needs, and protect your rights.
How Long Do Divorce Cases Take?
Divorce cases vary considerably. In Chino, California, a divorce takes a minimum of six months from the time one side files and serves paperwork to when a legal agreement is reached by both parties, but it could take several years. The steps that must take place in every divorce remain the same, but the length of time for each step depends on the individuals involved and how easily they can find amenable solutions.
How Much Does It Cost for a Divorce Lawyer in California?
Divorces are known for being not only emotionally charged but expensive as well. Typically, a separation attorney will charge an initial retainer fee to secure their services, then charge an hourly rate while handling the case. Retainer fees can range from $1,000 to $5,000, while hourly rates vary from a few hundred to just under a thousand per hour. Each family law attorney will have their own rates, so it is advisable to discuss them directly with your desired law firm in the Chino area.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Divorce in California?
While no one can predict how a divorce will play out or how much it will cost, an uncontested divorce can sometimes save you money. Uncontested divorces imply that the couple agrees on the terms of alimony, child custody, property division, and other facets of the divorce. Uncontested divorces may stay out of divorce court entirely.
Compassionate Divorce Attorneys
Divorces change the lives of everyone involved. Regardless of what point you are at in the divorce process, know that you do not have to figure everything out on your own. If you are considering a Chino divorce attorney or are looking for a compassionate family law attorney to work with you, please reach out to us at the Law Office of Stephanie J. Squires today.
