The road for same-sex couples to gain full marriage equality in California has been a long and hard-fought one. Same-sex couples finally have all of the same rights as heterosexual couples. Just like any other couple, sometimes marriage does not work for two people, and they must turn to a court to dissolve the marriage.
Same-sex divorce works in the same manner as divorce for a heterosexual couple, but the need for effective legal counsel can be much more important in a same-sex divorce. There can be unique issues surrounding things like child custody and support, and, with the same-sex marriage law still in relative infancy, some courts are still unclear with regard to how the law works.
At Contreras Law Firm, we have experience representing clients in all aspects of same-sex divorce. We can put that experience to work for you. Give us a call at (619) 238-0616 to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
Why Should Contreras Law Firm Be the Firm You Trust for Same-Sex Divorce?
Finding the right firm to represent you is key to a successful same-sex divorce, as your San Diego same-sex divorce attorney offers you guidance at each step of the divorce process in California.
With the right legal help, you can minimize the chances of an expensive litigated divorce while also ensuring your legal advocate is ready to fight for you in court if necessary. Your San Diego same sex divorce attorney will keep you informed, treat you with compassion, and help you to move forward and rebuild.
So, how can you find the right professional to help with your case? Contreras Law Firm is the firm you should choose because:
- We have a long and successful history representing clients in same-sex divorce.
- We understand the unique challenges that arise when a same-sex marriage ends, including challenges related to child custody and child support.
- We can represent you in complex cases, including if you were in a domestic partnership before marriage became legal and there are questions about what should be considered community property.
- We take a unique, holistic approach to every divorce, working with you to find creative solutions to avoid a litigated divorce — but we are also prepared and ready to go to court on your behalf if necessary to protect your rights if you can’t find a compromise with your spouse on the issues raised by your divorce.
When you want an advocate you can count on, who truly cares about your case and who knows the law inside and out, you can trust that we’ll be there to help every step of the way.
How Can a San Diego Same-Sex Divorce Lawyer Help You?
It is important that you begin divorce negotiations understanding what you and your spouse each want from the settlement. Finding common ground is not always easy, and you should have someone to offer you guidance throughout the entire divorce process. Some of the issues that we assist with in same-sex divorces include:
- Helping you and your spouse divide the property that you acquired during your marriage
- Assisting with the valuation of any retirement accounts, business ownership interests of other high-value assets
- Working to find an appropriate child custody and parenting time plan
- Determining the amount of child or spousal support that could be required in your case
- Modifying existing custody orders
- Serving as mediators or representing you in divorce mediation
Navigating the new legal waters of same-sex divorce requires the expertise of experienced San Diego family law attorneys. At Contreras Law Firm, we understand that our clients would like to resolve a same-sex divorce in the most efficient and stress-free manner possible, and we make it our goal to find solutions that work for your family.
California Laws In a Same-Sex Divorce
The same California divorce laws apply to a same-sex divorce as they apply to any divorce in the Golden State. Here are some key laws that you need to know:
- Community property: California is a community property state. Assets acquired during the marriage are split 50/50. This can create complications in determining a fair division of property if you and your partner had a union of a long duration and were in a domestic partnership prior to marriage.
- Alimony: If one spouse outearns the other, the higher earner can be required to pay alimony or spousal support on either a temporary or permanent basis. Either spouse can be required to pay alimony in a same-sex union, or in a heterosexual union, and the amount will depend on factors like the duration of the marriage and the contributions each person made to the career of the other.
- Child custody: Child custody decisions are made based on what is in the best interests of the child. Custody cases can sometimes be complicated if a same-sex couple is raising children together but are not both legal parents.
- Child support: Standard guidelines are used to determine the appropriate amount of support that will be owed if you divorce with children
At Contreras Law Firm, we know how to apply the laws to your divorce. We will help you to understand your rights so you know what to expect and can use this information to negotiate a fair settlement and avoid litigation.
We can also make compelling arguments if you must go to court because no compromise can be reached, maximizing the chances of your preferred outcomes.
Talk To Us To Learn More About How We Can Help With Your Divorce
We want to help you learn more about exactly what our experienced lawyers can do to help you achieve success with your divorce. To arrange your free consultation, contact our San Diego office today by calling (619) 238-0616 or sending us an email.