There may be no other event in your life that is more difficult to navigate than a divorce. The future can often seem very uncertain, and legal issues quickly can become extremely contentious. During times like these, having an experienced San Diego divorce attorney beside you can help to remove some of the stress and can help to ensure that your interests are protected.
At Contreras Law Firm, our San Diego family law attorneys understand the challenges clients are facing during these difficult times. We will take the time to fully understand your concerns, expectations and tailor a strategy around them. We will explain the laws that govern California family law matters and give you an honest assessment of what you can expect as your case moves forward.
Representing You In San Diego And Surrounding Communities
Our downtown San Diego, California law firm can help you in your divorce, whether simple or complex. Whether you’re currently located in Chula Vista, El Cajon, Vista, La Jolla, or Del Mar, or in another part of California, another state, or even another country, the San Diego divorce attorneys at Contreras Law have the experience to protect your interests in your San Diego County divorce.
Upon hiring our office, a San Diego family law attorney at Contreras Law can assess whether negotiation or mediation is reasonable in your case before court intervention becomes necessary. However, our divorce attorneys do not shy away from trial should it be your best option. So, Make The Right Call to (619) 238-0616Â to begin erasing the uncertainty and stress from your divorce.
The Divorce Process In California
Clients often want to know more about the divorce process itself. What they need to do and when they need to do it in order to keep their divorce on track. We explain the process, and walk you through what we can do to help with each step. Our main focus is to make sure that you have a clear idea of what to expect as your case moves forward.
In most divorces, there are two main issues of contention that take the most time to resolve: Child custody determinations and the division of marital property. These questions can cause a case to become much more complicated, and may require the courts to become involved if you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement on your own.
When we learn more about your case, we can tell you more about how the law may apply to your situation. We can then work together to decide what is best for your family, and pursue an outcome that is in your best interests.
Should You Consult A San Diego Divorce Attorney For Your Case?
Yes. It is extremely important that you work with an experienced San Diego divorce lawyer, because you have a lot to lose. Every divorce case is unique, with each one having its own set of facts and circumstances. There can be a number of different issues that could influence the best approach to obtaining the best possible outcome for you and your family. The wrong choices could cause you serious problems.
Why Hire The San Diego Divorce Lawyers At Contreras Law Firm
Knowing that you need a San Diego divorce attorney is only the first step in the divorce process. You need to find a law firm that you can trust with such an important event in your life. We want to tell you why we feel we are the right firm to handle your divorce, whether it is contested or uncontested. Some of the reasons for hiring our firm include:
- We have extensive experience: Our law firm has a family law division with attorneys who solely focus on family law.
- We develop creative strategies for your case: We develop an approach together with you that is committed to helping you get results.
- We provide you with personal attention: We are not going to leave you unsure about what is happening with your case – we keep you informed and respond to your questions in a timely manner.
- We are concerned about what happens to you: We genuinely care about making sure you come out of this in a better place, and do everything we can to make that happen.
- We will not judge you: We are not here to criticize your choices – our job is to protect your interests at all times.
During our initial free consultation, you have the opportunity to learn if we are the right fit for you. It is important to work with a San Diego divorce attorney or law firm that you feel matches up best with what you hope to accomplish. If you decide to retain our services, know that we are going to be there for you and fighting for you inside and outside of the courtroom. Call our office today at (619) 238-0616 or send us an email to begin the first steps toward protecting your future.
A San Diego Divorce Attorney Tells You What You Need To Know About Filing For Divorce
What To Know About Filing For Divorce In San Diego
What Style Works Best For You?
What Does It Cost To Hire A San Diego Divorce Attorney?
What Are The Requirements Of Divorce In California?
What Kinds Of Divorce Cases Are There?
How Long Until My Divorce Is Official In California?
Child Custody And Parenting Time In San Diego County Divorce
The Division Of Marital Property – And Debts In California Divorces
Child And Spousal Support Payments
What To Know About Spousal Support
Moving Forward With Confidence
What To Know About Filing For Divorce
- Gather a complete picture of your finances. Collect account statements, tax records, and other key documents so all assets and debts are accounted for. Our San Diego divorce lawyers can guide you through this process.
- Divorce brings major lifestyle and financial changes. One spouse may move out, and you may need to adjust to living on a single income. Work with your attorney to understand issues like child support, spousal support, and budgeting for your future.
- Be realistic about your goals. Divorce should not be about punishing your spouse but about reaching solutions that help you move forward. Focus on what matters most and make clear, informed choices that set you up for a more positive future.
- Give yourself permission to move on if divorce is right for you. Many marriages end despite best efforts. Do not blame yourself. Instead, prepare mentally, care for your well-being, and prioritize your children’s best interests. With the right support, you can move through this transition and begin the next chapter of your life.
What Style Works Best For You?
You’ll see plenty of San Diego divorce attorney ads, but choosing the right local divorce lawyer takes more than a first impression. Every attorney has a different approach, and you need one who fits your situation and goals.
Schedule a consultation to see how an attorney communicates and whether they address your specific concerns. You need someone you trust to handle your concerns and keep your best interests in focus. Some clients want a quick, efficient resolution, while others need a lawyer ready to go to trial. Make sure the attorney you hire can adapt to your goals.
Remember, every divorce is unique. Just because a lawyer worked well for a friend with a simple case doesn’t mean they’re right for your more complex situation involving kids, property, or retirement assets.
Finally, pay attention to how you’re treated during the consultation. Do they listen to your questions, respect your goals, and share your vision for the case? Every divorce is unique, and you want an attorney who recognizes that and tailors their strategy to your needs.
Thinking About The Cost Of A San Diego Divorce Attorney’s Services
Many people hesitate to hire a San Diego divorce lawyer because of the cost. While it can be expensive, the benefits often outweigh the risks of handling the process alone. Divorce is complex and emotional. One wrong decision can cost you money, property, or even time with your children.
Hiring a San Diego divorce attorney ensures you get experienced guidance at every step. Just like relying on a mechanic instead of guessing at car repairs, working with a divorce attorney helps you avoid costly mistakes and long-term consequences.
An attorney not only protects your financial and parental rights but also gives you space to focus on yourself and your children. By having a knowledgeable San Diego divorce lawyer in your corner, you can save time, reduce stress, and move forward with confidence.
What Are The Requirements For Divorce In California?
To file for divorce in California, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months and in the filing county for three months. A divorce cannot be finalized until six months after filing.
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither spouse has to prove wrongdoing. While issues like abuse or hidden assets can affect outcomes, most personal grievances don’t impact the court’s decision to grant a divorce.
Once papers are filed, things move quickly. Whether you’re filing or served with divorce papers, contacting a San Diego divorce attorney right away ensures your and your children’s interests and rights are protected. A San Diego divorce lawyer can also help uncover financial issues and guide you through property division, support, and other key matters.
What Kinds Of Divorce Cases Are There?
Divorces are generally either contested or uncontested.
- Contested Divorce: Spouses disagree on issues like property, custody, or support and may go to trial.
- Uncontested Divorce: Occur when both parties agree on how to resolve these issues, often making the process faster and less costly.
Divorces can proceed through mediation, where a neutral third party helps resolve disputes, or collaborative divorce, where San Diego family law attorneys and sometimes other professionals work together to reach an agreement. If needed, cases can go to trial, though this is unpredictable, expensive, and time-consuming.
How Long Does It Take A Divorce To Finalize?
In California, a divorce takes at least six months, but the total time depends on your case, goals, and priorities. At our firm, we’re focused on the needs of our clients. We handle our cases efficiently, with an eye toward what is most important to you. If you’re concerned about the time a divorce can take, when we hit points where decisions can impact time, we explain the pros and cons present. We help you understand what the choices in front of you are, and how they impact you personally, both today and in the future. You’re not going to go through this alone. We’re here to fight for you and inform you, throughout the entire case, no matter which direction things may go.
Child Custody And Parenting Time
Most parents want to continue to be an active part of their child’s life after a divorce, and the parents may disagree about how much time each parent should get to spend with their child or children. Finding the appropriate arrangement can take time, or, if unable to be resolved, may have to be decided upon by the courts.
If the case goes to trial, the child custody/parenting time ruling will be based on what the judge feels is in the best interests of the child. Going to trial allows you to present your case, but it can be expensive, unpredictable, and may strain your co-parent relationship. Maintaining a cooperative relationship with your co-parent, when possible, can make parenting easier for your child. Focus on protecting the time that matters most and prioritize what’s truly worth the effort.
The Division Of Marital Property – Including Debts
Marital Property:
- Includes wages, bonuses, retirement contributions, homes, and other assets acquired during the marriage.
- California is a community property state—assets are generally split equally.
Business Considerations:
- One spouse may buy out the other to continue running the business.
- Selling the business may be necessary to divide assets fairly.
Debts:
- Mortgage, credit card, and other joint debts incurred during the marriage are divided between spouses.
Planning and Strategy:
- Understanding your finances is critical before finalizing decisions.
- Prioritize important items to avoid costly disputes over minor assets.
Child And Spousal Support – Who Pays And When
There are specific formulas that the court will use when determining the amount of child support that will be awarded in a particular case. The court will look at the income of the parties and the ability of the parties to pay support. Support orders will not change unless there is a change in the circumstances of the parties.
As the court evaluates these factors, you should also think about how you and your ex will deal with expenses – both planned and unplanned – connected to the children. This can be things like education expenses – such as for after-school activities or field trips or things like starting a college fund. Medical expenses, including insurance, will also be an issue at this time. Comprehensive planning at this stage can help the parties avoid disagreements when things arise in the future.
Spousal Support – What You Need To Know
California spousal support laws are complex and depend on each couple’s financial situation. Whether seeking or contesting support, a San Diego divorce attorney can help develop the right strategy and protect your interests.
Support may be influenced by prenuptial agreements, but amounts and duration can be adjusted if circumstances change. Receiving or paying support impacts both spouses financially, so careful planning for the future is essential.
Moving Forward With Confidence
Divorce is challenging, but it can be manageable with the right support. Even if you and your spouse struggle to communicate, taking steps to plan your divorce can ease stress and protect your mental health.
Once you decide to end your marriage, contact a San Diego divorce attorney to guide you through each step. They can help you prepare, explain the process, and ensure your safety if needed. Proper preparation allows you to focus on your well-being and make informed decisions for yourself and your family.