Divorce Attorney in Newport Beach, CA
Helping You Navigate Divorce in Orange County, CA
The divorce process in Orange County has the potential to be complex and
long. You may feel overwhelmed, over-stressed, and/or simply may not have
the time to do the necessary legal work. Let our experienced
team of divorce attorneys fight for the most favorable outcome. With decades of study and practice
under our belt, our team can confidently and effectively guide you through
this process. We have represented thousands of clients 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 an 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 an 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 an 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 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 divorce 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 divorce 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.
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?
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
attorneys will help you and your partner work toward. However, if you
are not able to come to a solution, we will represent you and your best
interests in a courtroom.
What Should Be Avoided While Going Through Divorce in California?
Whether you’re filing a contested or uncontested divorce, your case
can get heated quickly in the event that your spouse uncovers evidence
against you. If you and your spouse are filing for divorce, 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 divorce 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 will not
only guide you through this process, but expertly litigate on your behalf.
We can help you manage the terms of your divorce. These terms commonly
include, but are not limited to:
Can You Modify Your Divorce Orders?
We 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, we cover it in our
blog, and ready to be the attorney by your side who will aggressively pursue
your best interests. At Sullivan Law & Associates, our team of divorce
attorneys 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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