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.
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 and your San Diego child custody lawyers to become involved if you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement on your own.
Meet the Partners at Contreras Law Firm
Meet Dolores Contreras
Partner & Attorney
As a founding partner and the visionary behind Contreras Law, Ms. Contreras has devoted her legal career to mastering business litigation, real estate law, and family law. Starting with civil cases, she has expanded her practice to cover a wide range of needs, from business disputes to family matters, which includes divorce, custody disputes, high-asset disputes and restraining orders.
Meet Anna Encinias
Partner & Attorney
Anna S. Encinias has been with Contreras Law Firm since 2014 and is now a partner, overseeing the firm’s entire family law department. For more than a decade, she has dedicated her career to guiding clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives with compassion, precision, and unwavering advocacy.
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 family 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 San Diego based law firm has a family law division with attorneys who solely focus on family law cases.
- 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 county divorce attorney or family 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 Are The Requirements Of Divorce In California?
What Kinds Of Divorce Cases Are There?
The Division Of Marital Property – And Debts In California Divorces
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 San Diego spousal support 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 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 San Diego 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.
Diaco Law
Client Testimonial
I struggled through a very painful divorce with two different attorneys for almost 3 years and got nowhere towards any kind of a final settlement, until a friend referred me to Contreras Law Firm, and Attorney Anna Encinas in particular.
Anna was friendly, professional, and business-like and most importantly very firm in dealing with opposing counsel and my spouse’s off the wall demands concerning the division of real estate property.
Divorces rarely have outcomes that makes everybody happy, but in my case Anna straightened out a complex financial situation, and in the settlement conference, got a â…“ reduction in the payment demands from opposing counsel. She saved me from losing my home of 45 years and got a settlement far from the worst outcome that I had feared.
John Sewell-Thurston
What is The Division Of Marital Property?
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.
Moving Forward After a San Diego Divorce 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer in San Diego Cost?
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.
A San Diego family law 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.
How is Child Custody and Parenting Time Determined?
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 family law case goes to trial, the child custody and 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.
How is Both Child and Spousal Support Determined?
There are specific formulas that the court will use when determining the amount of child and spousal 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 may also be influenced by prenuptial agreements, but amounts and duration can be adjusted if circumstances change.