Orange County Divorce Lawyer

Orange County Divorce Attorney

There are times when a divorce cannot be avoided. Divorces are sometimes inevitable. If you and your spouse have mutually decided to legally separate or you have made this decision independently, you should consider consulting an Orange County divorce lawyer who can guide you through the entire legal separation process.

Choosing Engels-Janzen for Your Divorce Needs

We understand that experiencing a divorce represents one of life’s most difficult and transformative challenges. Our law firm stands beside you during this tough period, offering compassionate guidance and steadfast support with clear solutions. Our team merges practical experience with comprehensive legal experience to deliver customized strategic representation suited to your specific needs.

We work tirelessly to protect your rights and help you build a stronger future, regardless of whether your divorce involves complex asset division or high-conflict disputes with custody concerns. Engels-Janzen values you as more than just another case. We provide personalized support to help you advance with confidence and peace of mind.

Divorce in California

Orange County’s many attractions, including Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, numerous beautiful beaches, and generally great weather, are not enough to prevent people from divorcing. But, contrary to what the general public may believe, divorce rates in California are decreasing. In 2023, the state’s divorce rate was 7.45%. The state’s divorce rate is one of the lowest in the country.

California’s legal terminology for divorce is dissolution. The divorce process begins with filing a petition for dissolution. California operates as a no-fault state, which means filing for dissolution does not necessitate proving fault. Your reason for filing for divorce does not impact the dissolution process because the state allows divorce for any reason without fault considerations. Fault, however, may be considered in cases like spousal and child support.

Requirements for Divorce in California

The legal process of divorce in California requires you to meet the state’s residency criteria before filing for dissolution of marriage. To initiate divorce proceedings, you and your spouse must have resided in the state for six months and in the filing county for three months.

In California, couples seeking to terminate domestic partnerships must follow the dissolution process similar to divorce. Gay and lesbian couples receive identical legal rights during divorce proceedings as their opposite-sex counterparts.

Filing for Divorce in California

The process of filing for divorce in California begins with the preparation and submission of necessary forms to the local family court. The California Courts website provides access to necessary forms for filing a divorce, such as a divorce petition and summons, along with a custody and visitation declaration for cases involving children.

The petitioner has to deliver divorce paperwork to the respondent through either a sheriff, process server, or an unrelated adult after filing. Service completion by mail will be valid once the respondent provides their agreement through appropriate acknowledgment forms. The petitioner needs to submit a proof of service form to the court once the service has been completed.

The respondent must file a response within 30 days after being served. Every party must provide financial disclosures about their income and expenses, along with assets and debts, to each other within a 60-day period. Both contested and uncontested divorces follow these steps, but some processes become easier when both parties initially agree to all terms.

Divorce Issues in California

A judge will determine the outcome of the remaining divorce issues using California law principles when you and your spouse fail to reach an agreement. Temporary orders can be established by judges or agreed upon by couples during divorce proceedings. Some common issues to solidify in divorce proceedings include:

• Property division. During marriage, both spouses share equal ownership of any income and assets that either partner earns or obtains. Because California is a community property state, upon divorce, the community property becomes equally divided between the spouses.
• Child custody. California family law separates legal custody from physical custody while giving parents the authority to decide who the child will live with and who will make essential decisions about their health care, schooling, and religious upbringing.
• Child support. The state of California mandates that parents are required to financially support their children even following their separation. The calculation of support payments under California guidelines takes into account each parent’s financial resources along with the amount of time they spend with the child.
• Alimony. When there is disagreement about alimony between the parties, the judge will determine spousal support based on various considerations, with the aim that recipients of alimony should achieve self-sufficiency in a reasonable period.

FAQs

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in California?

Multiple factors affect the price of hiring a divorce attorney in California, including their professional experience and the case’s complexity, along with the nature of the divorce proceedings. Lawyers generally bill their services by the hour, while clients might also face extra expenses for filing fees and consultations with professionals or mediators. Clients benefit from clear fee agreements, which help set expectations while preventing unexpected costs.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Orange County?

Divorce timelines in Orange County change according to the individual circumstances of each case. Divorces that receive mutual agreement from both parties advance more swiftly compared to contested divorces that require resolution of property, custody, or support disagreements. The speed at which a case reaches resolution depends on court schedules, how responsive each party is, and whether mediation sessions are required.

What Type of Lawyer Is Ideal for Divorce?

An ideal divorce lawyer is one who has experience in family law and handling cases involving property division, child custody, and support. Their services should demonstrate the ability to negotiate effectively while remaining ready to represent clients in court proceedings. Selecting the appropriate legal partner for divorce requires key traits such as empathy, communication skills, and strategic thinking abilities.

Why Is Divorce so High in Orange County?

Multiple elements, including financial pressures, high cost of living expenses, and lifestyle differences, combine to produce Orange County’s elevated divorce rates. The focus on career achievements and societal status norms adds extra pressure to married relationships in the area. While each relationship functions uniquely, broader patterns typically play a significant role in shaping family dynamics within the area.

Contact Engels-Janzen Today

Going through a divorce isn’t easy. Engels-Janzen can help you through the legal process. Contact us today for more information.