Claremont Divorce lawyer
If you are in the process of dissolving your marriage, you are most likely overwhelmed by emotions, questions, and maybe even fears about your future post-divorce. There are many details that go along with divorce, which is why it is important to find an experienced Claremont divorce attorney to help you navigate this tough time. Their support can completely change the outcome of your divorce for the better.
At the Law Office of Stephanie J. Squires, you can find the support you need. Our skilled team has over 20 years of experience, meaning we have handled divorces that include a wide variety of issues. As a result, we can quickly build a case regardless of the situations that may arise during your divorce. With compassion and precision, we can work with you to find a solution that fits your situation.
Divorce Law in California
Divorce laws can be drastically different from state to state. Many states differ in terms of fault, meaning that in some states, you are able to file for divorce for no reason other than that you want a divorce. In other states, you must show that your spouse did something that gives a reason for your desire to divorce your spouse. In states where you must show fault, examples of this could include adultery or abuse.
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not have to prove that anyone did anything wrong. It also means that you can get a divorce regardless of whether or not your spouse wants one. The only requirement for filing for divorce is that you or your spouse must have lived in California for six months prior to filing and in your county for three months prior.
How to File for Divorce in California
Once you have established residency in your county and state, you are eligible to file for divorce. To begin the filing process in Claremont, CA, you or your spouse must complete a petition for dissolution, a document that contains questions concerning your marriage and your goals in filing for divorce, including how you plan to proceed on issues such as property division, custody rights, and property division.
Upon completion of the petition for dissolution, your spouse will be served with a summons. If you have children who are under the age of eighteen together, you will also need to fill out an additional form regarding them and any relevant background information.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Get a Divorce?
You are free to self-represent through your divorce, but getting a divorce is no small matter. There are many decisions to be made, such as where your children will live, how often and how long visits will be, how your property will be divided, what will happen to your assets, and much more. Because there is already so much emotional stress on individuals who are going through this process, it can be extremely helpful to have the assistance and guidance of an experienced divorce lawyer.
Even if you and your spouse have considered what you both want to obtain from the divorce, a family lawyer can still be helpful. They can guide you through long and tedious paperwork, sorting out all the legal jargon and saving you precious time and energy. By allowing a lawyer to take the heavy lifting from you, you are then free to take time and space to process your thoughts and emotions, be with your children, and sort through anything else you need to during this time.
Divorce Attorney Fees in California
In California, the fees you pay for a divorce attorney will depend on the attorney’s experience, the complexity of your case, and the total length of time it takes to resolve. The average hourly rate can typically be anywhere between $200 and $400, but it is not limited to these numbers. Although you may think it is a high cost to hire an attorney, doing so could save you not only money but time in the long run.
California-Specific Laws Pertaining to Divorce
Understanding all applicable laws for your divorce will help you anticipate the potential outcomes.
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Property
In the state of California, both spouses equally own all income and assets that are acquired during the time of the marriage. This is particularly important in a high-asset divorce case. So, in the case of a divorce, all marital assets would be equally divided between the two individuals. This rule also goes for debts that are accrued during the time of the marriage, meaning that payments for these would be equally divided as well.An attorney can also help you navigate your plans, including an estate plan, trusts, the probate process, and any other circumstance in which property or assets are being discussed.
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Child Custody and Spousal Support
According to the California Family Code, the first route that the court attempts to take regarding child custody is some form of joint arrangement in which both parents have regular involvement in their children’s lives. This means that both parents are allowed to be involved in decisions that are made regarding the child’s upbringing, including where they will attend school, extracurricular activities, religious worship, and more.
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Alimony
Alimony is typically awarded with the caveat that the spouse who is requesting alimony should be working towards being able to support themselves. The decision is ultimately left up to the judge, who takes both personal and financial matters into consideration.
Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation becomes an option when you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement on the issues pertaining to your separation. These can include anything from property disputes before you file for divorce to disagreements over custody decisions made during the divorce process to even disagreements during the process.
In mediation, an impartial third party guides you and your spouse through conversations concerning your disagreements, helping you both to reach a conclusion that you are mutually satisfied with. The mediator does not make any decisions themselves but rather helps you and your spouse make them.
Skilled Legal Representation
If you need an experienced, compassionate separation lawyer, look no further than the Law Office of Stephanie J. Squires. Having years of experience in family law, she can help you through all the technical proceedings so that you can take care of yourself and your children during this emotional time. Contact the Law Office of Stephanie J. Squires today to learn more about how she can help you.
