Glendale, CA Divorce Lawyer
Glendale, CA Divorce Attorney
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events a person can go through, but many couples get divorced every year. The process can vary widely from family to family, and outcomes depend on several factors. It can be scary to face mediators and judges, especially when children and property are involved, and a great way to get the support you need is to work with a Glendale, CA, divorce lawyer.
At the Law Offices of Patricia Rigdon, our focus for over 20 years has been solely on helping families through difficult legal challenges. Our goal in divorce cases is to always try to find a resolution through collaboration with other professionals or mediation. When going to court is necessary, Patricia can fight for your family and is one of the best family law attorney in Glendale.
California Divorce Requirements
First, there are requirements for filing for divorce in California. One or both spouses must live in California for at least six months and in the county where you file for at least three months. Because California is a “no-fault divorce” state, there does not need to be a serious transgression to be granted a divorce. A legal separation is also not required before filing for divorce in California.
It’s important to note that California law treats opposite-sex marriage, same-sex marriage, and domestic partnership the same, so the divorce process is also the same; however, there may be different complications for each type of relationship.
The Divorce Process
There’s an established process for getting a divorce in the state of California, where divorce is legally called “dissolution of marriage,” regardless of how long the couple was married.
There are four main steps to the divorce process in California:
- One partner files legal papers with the court and officially notifies the other partner. This starts the case, and the other partner can then file a formal response.
- The partners must share all their financial information with each other.
- The partners must make decisions about how they will split their property and debts, how to care for any children, and if any spousal or child support is warranted. If the partners can’t agree on any of these matters, the court must
- Lastly, the final paperwork has to be filed with the court, and then the divorce becomes final.
The process itself is fairly straightforward; however, by the time a couple separates, emotions are often already high. It’s not unusual for couples to not be able to come to an agreement about the terms of division of property, child custody, or child or spousal without the help of the courts. While couples can still legally handle their divorce on their own, once a divorce becomes contentious, it also becomes much trickier to navigate.
How a Lawyer Can Help
The help of a compassionate and experienced divorce attorney can ensure your rights are being protected in the agreement. Whether your case involves domestic violence, property division, financial support, or child custody, your lawyer can guide you through the process and make sure your voice gets heard.
There are several options for getting a divorce, depending on what works for both spouses:
- Collaborative divorce is when the couple works with lawyers and various other professionals to reach an agreement through negotiation.
- Divorce mediation is another option, where a professional mediator helps couples come to an agreement. Both parties usually consult an attorney to make sure the final settlement is equitable.
- Litigation occurs when the case has to go to court to get resolved. If litigation is required, a divorce lawyer has all the knowledge and resources necessary to work with the court to support your family.
FAQs About Glendale, CA Divorce Law
How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in California?
Divorce lawyers in Glendale, California usually charge by the hour. The average cost of a divorce lawyer in 2019 was around $330 per hour; however, a divorce lawyer’s rates may vary, depending on:
- The complexity of the case
- The experience and reputation of the lawyer
- The location and size of the law firm
- Any additional services needed, such as research and document preparation
- The type of divorce process, whether that’s collaborative (no court involvement) or needs mediation or litigation
In your initial consultation, make sure to ask your lawyer about their fees.
What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce Settlement in California?
California is a 50/50 divorce state, which means both spouses are treated equally. The court’s goal is to reach an equitable agreement for assets, property, and debts. Each partner can typically expect to receive a fair share of the community property, which is all the property and assets that were acquired during the marriage, such as a home or business. Some wives may also receive spousal support.
Who Pays for a Divorce in California?
Generally, each partner is expected to pay for their own legal fees in divorce cases. There are some situations where the family court judge might order one partner to pay for all or part of the divorce feed. Your divorce attorney can help you determine if this fits your case and, if so, file the appropriate paperwork with the court.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Divorce if Both Parties Agree in California?
A divorce itself is relatively inexpensive in California if both parties agree on all the terms. Depending on your location and the circumstances of the divorce, costs might be as low as a few hundred dollars for court filing fees. Unfortunately, even in cases where both parties agree on terms, there may still be the possibility of an unfair outcome unless both of you are comfortable with the legal language and other matters involved.
Contact Your Glendale, CA, Divorce Lawyer
The Law Offices of Patricia Rigdon has worked with many families, so we know that the amount of time and money it may take to get a divorce can feel overwhelming, especially during an already stressful life transition. Patricia can work diligently to minimize that stress by resolving the divorce without going to court. She has helped many families have successful outcomes without litigation.
Contact our office today to set up an initial consultation and discuss your options.
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DO YOU NEED LEGAL HELP?
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.
