Pasadena Divorce for Executives
Pasadena Divorce Lawyer
Even the most friendly divorce can be a very complicated and challenging ordeal. Between custody issues and personal asset division, finding a family law attorney able to help you get through your divorce is one of the most important parts of starting the process, especially as a business executive. When it’s time to consider a divorce, you need someone with experience in Pasadena divorce for executives to help you navigate your next steps. The Law Offices of Patricia Rigdon offers legal services to executives divorcing in Pasadena, California, and throughout the state.
What Kind of State Is California for Divorce?
Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage or domestic partnership. Compared to a legal separation or annulment, a divorce completely separates you and your spouse, along with your finances and assets. In California, you can file for a divorce without any evidential reasoning, making California a “no fault divorce” state. California law also lets one party file for a divorce, regardless of the willingness of your spouse, which can be helpful in the event of a domestic violence situation.
In order to apply for a divorce, you or your spouse must be living in your current county for three months, and either you or your partner must be a California citizen for at least six months. In the event that you move to a new county and want to file for divorce before that three-month marker, California law dictates that you can file for a divorce in the county where you previously lived. That being said, if you and your spouse have been living separately, residing in different counties for over three months, you can file for a divorce in the county in which you currently reside.
What Are the Different Types of Divorce Proceedings?
All divorce hearings are different, so determining what kind of divorce proceedings are right for you is a crucial step of the entire process. Depending on your relationship with your spouse, avoiding a courtroom appearance may be an option; however, if you and your spouse are not on good terms and are unable to negotiate a deal, court might be the only option for getting a fair divorce. At the Law Offices of Patricia Rigdon, we provide legal counsel for various kinds of divorce proceedings, including:
- Mediation: Mediation is a kind of divorce proceeding that involves a mediator that acts as a neutral third party between you and your spouse. Similar to contract negotiation, the mediator works with each party to draft a formal agreement between you and your spouse that outlines your individual responsibilities as a result of your separation. This form of divorce negotiation is usually offered to couples that are on good terms with each other and able to tactfully negotiate topics such as property division, child custody, etc.
- Collaboration: Collaborative divorce is the middle ground between mediation and litigation. Each party selects an attorney trained in collaborative divorce proceedings, and then alongside their team of legal professionals, the terms of the divorce are explained and agreed upon with full disclosure from both parties. The collaborative divorce process can be complicated, but at the Law Offices of Patricia Rigdon, we can help you understand the process of collaborative divorce and assess whether or not it is the right process for you.
- Litigation: The litigation process is the most common form of divorce proceedings, requiring both parties to seek legal representation and take their case to court. Typically chosen by couples that have moved beyond being able to negotiate the terms of their divorce, litigation helps to solidify any issues with your divorce that are left heavily disputed by both parties.
At the Law Offices of Patricia Rigdon, our expertise in family law and divorce law can help you choose the most effective pathway for negotiating your divorce. Regardless of which method works for your case, our legal team can accurately assess your claim and help you through your divorce proceedings.
What Responsibilities and Assets are Divided in a Divorce?
Depending on the time of purchase, the division of your assets varies from item to item. California state laws make any assets obtained during your marriage considered “community property,” meaning that anything purchased or any debts accrued during your marriage is considered shared property. Anything purchased before your divorce is considered separate property and cannot be split up during the divorce.
One of the hardest aspects of divorce to navigate is child custody. Visitation and child support become some of the main factors discussed in a divorce, especially when determining the permanent placement of your children. By taking into account the welfare of your child based on complete disclosure of your personal situation, the court will place your child with the parent best suited to take care of them.
Your business, and the ownership over your business, can be directly affected by your divorce proceedings. In a typical divorce, business ownership is considered community property, so the ownership over your business will be divided equally. However, if your business was started before you got married, as long as you kept your spouse from co-signing any important documents, you may be able to retain full ownership of the company throughout the divorce proceedings.
How Much Does an Amicable Divorce Cost in California?
For any divorce, the filing fee in the state of California is anywhere between $435 and $450. The cost of your legal counsel, on the other hand, can vary dramatically depending on the prestige of your law firm and the length of your proceedings. Also, depending on the outcome of your case, the personal cost of losing any assets deemed communal property is never guaranteed and can vary greatly from case to case. Despite these charges, the greatest thing you can gain from leaving your unhappy marriage or partnership is emotional stability, and you cannot put a price on your personal well-being.
At the Law Offices of Patricia Rigdon, our team of legal professionals is well-versed in family law and has extensive experience with executive divorces. As a business executive, we understand the hardships that can come from divorce and are well-equipped to handle your legal proceedings. Divorce can be extremely stressful, but with the help of an expert legal team, the process can be easier to manage and flow more smoothly. To schedule a consultation, visit our website and contact us at your earliest convenience.
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The mediation process provides a more peaceful alternative to fighting about your personal issues in court. Read more to see if divorce mediation is right for you.
Collaboration brings attorneys, mental health professionals & accountants together to resolve family issues without going to court. Read more to see if a Collaborative Divorce is right for you.
Litigation in the divorce process involves submitting issues to family court in order to resolve them with the assistance of a judge, if both parties cannot reach an agreement in other ways. Read more to see if Divorce Litigation will be needed.
