Irvine Divorce Lawyer

Irvine Divorce Attorney

Divorce cases in Irvine can range from simple, uncontested divorces that are settled through mediation to complex, litigious cases that must be resolved in the Orange County Superior Court. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the end of your marriage, it’s important to understand what you can do to move on to the next chapter of your life. An Irvine divorce lawyer from Engels-Janzen can help you.

Our team has extensive experience navigating complex family law cases in Orange County, so we’re confident we can come up with a custom plan that suits your needs. Whether you need help with custody agreements, property division, or any other aspect of your divorce, you can count on us to be there for you.

The Divorce Process in Irvine, CA

Getting a divorce can be overwhelming, regardless of the details of your marriage. It’s critical to know the steps to take to reach a finalized agreement with your spouse, so you can move through the process as quickly as possible.

Divorce is more than simply breaking off an emotional relationship with a person; you’re separating your lives, which likely have been intertwined to a considerable degree. When you get divorced, you can expect to make decisions about all the aspects of your marriage, including:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Property division
• Spousal support
• Tax considerations
• Visitation schedules

About 65 percent of homeowners in Orange County are married couples. When these couples get divorced, they must figure out what to do with all their shared assets and debts, including their home. With the median prices of homes in Orange County sitting around $1,267,500, dividing property is a large part of many divorce settlements.

California is a 50-50 divorce state, which means any community property acquired during the marriage is likely going to be split equally between spouses in the event of a divorce. You and your spouse have the opportunity to come up with the terms of your divorce on your own, so you can be as specific and flexible as you want when it comes to what to do with your shared property.

In addition to dividing property, you may have to make important decisions regarding your family if you have children together. Around 32 percent of children under age six live in a single-parent household, with that parent in the workforce. This is made possible through comprehensive child custody arrangements, child support agreements, and visitation schedules.

Our team at Engels-Janzen can help you navigate this process, so you can come up with a schedule that works for everyone—namely, your child. Christopher Engels has experience growing up in unstable family situations and has been through the system as a result. He’s dedicated to making sure no other children have to experience that kind of hardship as a result of their parents’ actions.

Your Local Irvine Divorce Attorneys

Engels-Janzen is a trusted family law firm serving residents throughout Irvine and beyond. Our team comprises three established attorneys who bring years of family legal experience to the table. Mr. Engels is a California Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) and was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2022.

Beyond his extensive legal experience, Mr. Engels has personal experience navigating the divorce process in California. He grew up in Orange County and went through his own divorce here, so he understands the emotional aspects of the process, too.

Sean Janzen and Don Bushell also have years of family law experience to help clients through all manners of divorce. Whether it’s a simple, uncontested divorce or a more contentious situation, you can count on our team to be there for you.

FAQs

Do I Have to Hire a Divorce Lawyer to Get Divorced in Irvine?

You’re not obligated to hire a divorce lawyer to get divorced in Irvine. That said, it’s often recommended to work with one to help you through the process. Even an uncontested divorce can come with challenges. An Irvine divorce lawyer can help you navigate difficult situations and lead you to a resolution that works for your family.

What Is the Cost of Hiring a Divorce Lawyer in Irvine?

If you decide to hire a divorce attorney, you can expect them to charge an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a retainer, depending on their individual fee structure. The cost of working with an Irvine divorce attorney can vary depending on their experience level and reputation, as well as the complexity of your situation.

What Does the Divorce Process in Irvine Entail?

If you wish to file for divorce in Irvine, the process starts by filing a Petition, Summons, and all other required paperwork with the Orange County Superior Court. Once you’ve successfully opened your case, you must officially serve your spouse or partner.

The divorce process entails making decisions about how to separate your lives after sharing one together. This involves determining things like child custody, child support, division of property, spousal maintenance, and tax responsibilities.

Is California Considered a 50-50 Divorce State?

California is considered to be a 50-50 state, which means you can expect shared assets and debts to be split equally if you get divorced. It’s important to note that this only applies to marital property, or community property. This encompasses assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Any separate property does not have to be divided. You can also protect certain types of assets with prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

Connect With an Irvine Divorce Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in More Detail

Going through a divorce can be stressful, but working with a knowledgeable Irvine divorce attorney can take some of the heavy lifting off your shoulders. Our team at Engels-Janzen is ready to guide you through your case, so you can close this chapter of your life with no regrets.

If you’re ready to discuss your situation in more detail, our attorneys are here to listen. You can call the office or come visit us in Costa Mesa to set up a consultation to learn more about our services and how we can work together.