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. We explain the process, and walk you through what we can do to help with each step.
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.
Key Takeaways for Your San Diego Divorce
- California is a no-fault divorce state — you don’t have to prove wrongdoing for your divorce to be granted.
- A divorce attorney protects your rights in custody, support, and property matters.
- Community property rules apply — assets and debts are usually split equally in California.
- Clear communication matters — your attorney will explain timelines, options, and strategy.
- You don’t have to do this alone — the firm helps through mediation, negotiation, or trial as needed.
Confidential consultation. Compassion and Determination
Meet the Divorce Partners at Contreras Law Firm
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 include divorce, custody disputes, high-asset disputes, and restraining orders.
Some of her victories include:
- Business Divorce with Asset Distribution: Secured 100% ownership of a business for her client and awarded $100,000+ in sanctions against the opposing spouse.
- High-Asset International Divorce: Located and acquired hidden funds, enabling her client to achieve a favorable cross-border asset distribution.
Anna Encinias, Partner & Attorney
Anna S. Encinias has been with Contreras Law Firm since 2014 and now oversees the firm’s entire family law department. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist, a credential held by only a small percentage of attorneys in California.
For more than a decade, Ms. Encinias has dedicated her career to guiding clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives with compassion, precision, and unwavering advocacy.
Some of her victories include:
- Business Divorce & Asset Recovery: Represented a client whose spouse ousted them from their jointly owned business. Secured significant spousal support, their portion of the business, and 100% of the marital home.
- “Queen of Prenups”: Ms. Encinias excels in drafting and negotiating both straightforward and highly complex prenups, including those involving variable, contract-dependent incomes.
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:
- Proven results: Our team brings over 20 years of combined experience. We’ve secured 100% business ownership for clients, recovered hidden international assets, and won contested custody trials. We’re prepared to fight aggressively in court when a settlement isn’t the best option.
- Certified Family Law Specialist on your team: Anna S. Encinias is a Certified Family Law Specialist recognized by the State Bar of California. This credential is held by less than 1% of attorneys in California.
- Real experience in complex assets: Ms. Contreras combines family law with business law and real estate knowledge. If your divorce involves a business, real estate, or hidden assets, you get an attorney who understands both the legal and financial sides.
- Connected to San Diego’s legal community: Our attorneys know the judges here and understand how they think. That strategic positioning gets results and has led judges to refer clients to us.
- Honest advice you can trust: We will give you a realistic assessment of your options, what things actually cost, and what to expect. We’re straightforward about costs and strategy because we genuinely care about your future, not just billable hours.
- Bilingual attorneys: Both of our firm’s partners are fluent in English and Spanish.
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 who 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 San Diego Family & Children courtroom.
Call our office today at (619) 238-0616 or send us an email to begin the first steps toward protecting your future.
awards & accolades
San Diego Divorce Resources
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 in San Diego?
The Division Of Marital Property – And Debts In California Divorces
Moving Forward With Confidence
What To Know About Filing For Divorce in San Diego
- 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. Sometimes divorce may even lead to bankruptcy and in the event of that, a bankruptcy divorce lawyer in San Diego will be very beneficial.
- 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 family 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 is The Division Of Marital Property Defined as in San Diego?
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.
- 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.
Need legal assistance regarding your family law case?
Contact Contreras Law Firm at (619) 238-0616 for a free case consultation.
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: Occurs 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.
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.
If your money is tied up in a home or real estate, that doesn’t mean you can’t afford a lawyer. Contreras Law firm offers the option of a FLARPL (Family Law Attorney Real Property Lien), a lien placed on real property (like a house) that allows your attorney to get paid from the equity in that property at a later time, which is typically when the property is sold, refinanced, or divided. A FLARPL is one way to make sure you still have access to strong legal representation even if most of your money is tied up in real estate.
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 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, can make parenting easier for your child.
When creating a custody agreement, it is important to address potential relocation or move-away requests by outlining notice requirements, court approval procedures, and how a proposed move may impact the parenting plan and the child’s best interests.
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.