Fountain Valley Divorce Lawyer

Fountain Valley Divorce Attorney

Divorce can be a life-changing experience and affect all parties involved for years to come. Even if the divorce is for the good of all those involved, it might not necessarily be easy or without its share of challenges and emotional difficulties. If you and your spouse believe that seeking a divorce is the right legal option for you and your family, retaining the counsel and representation of a Fountain Valley divorce lawyer can ensure you are protected.

At Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, our team of qualified family law attorneys has over 100 years of combined experience. This experience, coupled with our access to resources, allows us to offer you top-notch representation and counsel you can count on during difficult times. We can be there for you every step of the way during your divorce case, including any instances of mediation, negotiation, or even courtroom litigation, should the need arise.

Defining a Fountain Valley Divorce

No one enters a marriage believing that that marriage will one day end in divorce. However, these situations are common, and no matter how amicable you and your spouse attempt to be, challenges can arise, and emotions can become tense. Every divorce looks different in Fountain Valley, California. The most common kinds of divorce include the following:

• Uncontested divorce. In an uncontested divorce case, you and your spouse can agree on all the aspects involved in your divorce. These aspects can include child custody, spousal support, property division, and child support. In an uncontested divorce, you will not need to get the courts involved. Instead, you can have your attorney draft and file the divorce decree. These cases often cost less and take less time.
• Contested divorce. In a contested divorce, the parties involved are unable to come to an agreement regarding several issues involved in their divorce, including property division or child custody. These divorces are rife with conflict, and the courts will need to step in and help decide certain matters. It is vital that you have a divorce lawyer on your side, advocating for you during a contested divorce.
• Complex divorce. No divorce is ever easy, no matter how amicable you and your spouse try to be. However, in some more complicated cases, a spouse may try to hide assets from you or keep you from accessing your rightful share. If you are facing this kind of complex divorce, it is important to have an attorney on your side who can voice your concerns and ensure an investigation is carried out.
• High-asset divorce. In divorces with a number of high-value assets or in cases where the marriage itself holds a high net worth, this can lead to further complications, and it is important to have an attorney you can trust who can help you handle all disputes that may arise between you and your spouse over your shared marital assets.

Areas of Contention in a Divorce

Every divorce comes with its own set of complications, yet there are certain areas of contention that can arise in almost every case. These are issues that the couple must be able to reach an agreement on. If they are unable to reach an agreement, such as in the case of a contested divorce, they will need to go before a judge who will make this determination for them. The areas of contention most often involved in a Fountain Valley divorce case include the following:

• Property division
• Child support
• Child custody
• Spousal support

How to Seek a Divorce in Fountain Valley

California operates as a no-fault state, meaning whoever files for the initial divorce petition does not need to provide any kind of proof that the other party did something wrong in order to warrant the divorce. Instead, you can simply state that there has been an irreconcilable breakdown of the relationship. There is, however, a rule that requires at least one of the parties involved to have been a resident of California six months prior to filing.

To obtain a divorce in California, you will need to go through the following steps:

• File the official divorce petition.
• Request temporary orders from the courts regarding issues such as child support or spousal support.
• Serve or respond to the divorce petition.
• Disclose your financial information.
• Reach agreements regarding certain divorce issues through mediation, negotiation, or by going before a judge.
• Receive your final judgment of divorce.

FAQs About Fountain Valley, CA Divorce Laws

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Charge in California?

It can be challenging to offer an exact amount as to how much a divorce lawyer might charge for their services in California, considering each case is different and will require a different amount of time and attention from your attorney. However, there are some variables common across all cases that can affect the final cost. These include the overall complexity and duration of your case and the experience of your lawyer.

What Is Considered to Be in the Best Interest of the Child?

In a divorce, when the couple cannot agree on a child custody and visitation rights arrangement, the judge will need to make this determination for them. In most cases, the judge will make their decision based on what they believe to be in the best interest of the child. They will often take the following factors into account: the age and health of the child, the relationship the child shares with their parents, and the abilities of the parent.

What Are Some Mistakes to Avoid in a Divorce?

There are many mistakes you should avoid making during a divorce case that could harm your chances for a favorable outcome in a divorce. These mistakes can include acting out of anger, revenge, or guilt, not obtaining necessary legal advice, not double-checking the paperwork involved in the divorce or accuracy, and failing to communicate with the other party.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in California?

The timeline for a California divorce can vary based on the nature of the case you are involved in. However, there are certain factors that can play into all cases and affect their overall time frames, including the complexity of your case, the value of the assets involved, the areas of contention, and the ability to cooperate and communicate with the other party.

Speak with a Trusted Family Law Attorney in Fountain Valley Today

If you are facing a divorce in Fountain Valley, California, the team at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP is here for you. Contact our offices today to schedule your initial consultation.