Newport Beach Divorce Lawyer
Family Law Firm Helping Residents in Orange County, CA, Navigate Their Divorce
The divorce process in Orange County, CA, has the potential to be complex
and lengthy. You may feel overwhelmed, over-stressed, and/or lack time
for legal work.
Let our
experienced team of divorce attorneys fight for the most favorable outcome. With decades of study and practice,
our team can confidently and effectively guide you through this process.
Our family law lawyers have represented thousands of clients over Newport
Beach and have dealt with every divorce-related issue from contested
high net worth cases to amicable uncontested cases.
Call Sullivan Law & Associates at
(949) 565-2793 or
contact us online to Schedule a Meeting with One of Our Newport Beach Divorce Attorneys!
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Divorce?
While it is possible to file for divorce on your own, it is highly recommended
that you consult with a family law attorney before doing so.
The law is complex, especially in the realm of divorce. Issues such as
child custody, child support, property and asset division, and other matters may come
into play.
You will need someone to advocate for your best interests, especially if
your spouse
hires a family law attorney and you are headed for a contested divorce.
There is a common assumption that retaining the services of a lawyer means
that the case and/or trial will become lengthy, costly, and contentious.
This is not the case, especially when hiring a divorce attorney with experience
and compassion.
Why Should You Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
Reasons to hire our attorney include but are not limited to the following:
• No need to handle excess contracts, documents, and other paperwork
• Professional communication that will detail every aspect of your
divorce case
• Assistance if your spouse has potential hidden assets
• Strategy development that puts your priorities first
• Recommendations regarding which issues are worth pursuing
These reasons are designed to not only save your time, but also help alleviate
stress from this life-changing event. Our family attorneys focus on both
the short and long-term effects of your case and will be with you every
step of the way.
What are the Grounds for a Divorce in California?
In California, a divorcing couple does not need to prove fault prior to
beginning this legal process. This means that either party is not required
to provide a specific
reason for the divorce. Rather, the document need only state ‘irreconcilable differences’
as the reason. By doing this, it is understood that both parties can no
longer be in the relationship and would like to end it.
The only other requirement to file for divorce in California is a residency
that has lasted
6 months or longer. Additionally, the party seeking the divorce must reside in their current
county for
at least 3 months before filing.
California Divorce Waiting Period
Once a dissolution of marriage is filed and officially served, the receiving
spouse is granted 30 days to respond. California has a mandatory
six month waiting period after the official service date before the divorce can be finalized and
signed by a judge in CA.
This six month waiting period is designed to allow enough time to negotiate
important details, such as
alimony,
property division,
child custody and
support.
What is Uncontested Vs. Contested Divorce in California?
In California, there are two primary ways people get divorced:
contested and
uncontested.
A contested divorce is when a couple has a difficult time agreeing on key
issues such as child custody and property division. A divorce of this
type is usually more costly and lasts longer than an uncontested divorce.
An uncontested divorce occurs when a couple is in agreement on how to handle
key issues. This type of divorce is preferred, and it is what our lawyers
will help you and your partner work toward.
However, if you are not able to come to a solution, our family lawyers
will represent you and your best interests in a courtroom.
What Should Be Avoided While Going Through Divorce in California?
Whether you’re filing contested or uncontested, your case can get
heated quickly in the event that your spouse uncovers evidence against
you. If you and your spouse are filing for a dissolution of marriage,
here are some things to avoid:
- Extraordinary Spending
-
Hidden Assets
-
Romantic Relationships
-
Restraining Orders
The above items may be used against you in the case of contested divorce.
For more information, read our blog post on
What Can Be Used Against Me During a Divorce.
Negotiating the Terms of Your Divorce
If you choose to work with one of our family law attorneys at Sullivan
Law & Associates, you will have the benefit of the knowledge and skill
of a world-class attorney in your corner.
Our divorce lawyers serving Newport Beach will not only guide you through
this process, but expertly litigate on your behalf.
Our lawyers can help you manage the terms of your divorce. These terms
commonly include, but are not limited to:
Can You Modify Your Divorce Orders?
Our lawyers understand that things can change in life. Terms that may have
worked at the time of the final judgment may need to be modified later
down the line. For this reason, our divorce lawyers can help you seek
modifications.
Common reasons for modification are:
- A significant increase or decrease in income
- A relocation to another state or a significant distance away
- A supported party remarries
Related: Can Child Support be Modified After a Divorce?
Offering World Class Divorce Services
A divorce can be a difficult and emotional process.
It can affect where you live, your finances, how much time you spend with
your children, and/or the loss or gain of assets. For these reasons, our
family lawyers cover it in our
blog, and ready to be the divorce attorney by your side who will aggressively
pursue your best interests.
At Sullivan Law & Associates, our team of divorce lawyers serving Newport
Beach will do just that while ensuring you are always in the loop.
Going through a divorce? Our Newport Beach divorce attorneys are here to
help you. Contact us today at
(949) 565-2793 or
online for a consultation!
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