If you have decided on divorce as the right choice for you, you might be wondering about your options for getting what you need in order to start your new life. Most likely, there are some things that are not negotiable for you, such as your fair share of money or your house or custody of your kids, and you want to know what you should do next!
The Norco divorce lawyers of The Grey Legal Group have over 75 years of collective experience helping people with their family law issues. We pool our knowledge and experience to create a divorce strategy that puts you in the best position to enter the next phase of your life. Reach out for a free consultation with a member of our team and we will begin assessing your needs and goals for your divorce!
Understanding Divorce In California
When you are getting divorced in California, there are two avenues you can take that will determine what your divorce experience will ultimately look like.
- Uncontested divorce means that you and your ex have reached an agreement when it comes to the specifics of your divorce. If there is nothing to fight over, there is no reason to go to court! This type of divorce tends to be quicker and less expensive to resolve.
- Contested divorce, on the other hand, means that there are disagreements within your divorce that need to be resolved, either through mediation or, failing all other options, litigation in court. This type of divorce can take months or even more than a year to resolve; that being said, if you have something worth fighting for or high net worth assets that are being contested, it can be worth it to go to court.
Note that if you are going through an uncontested divorce and share a minor child with your ex-spouse, you need to go through mediation as a mandatory step in California divorces. The goal of mediation is to make your divorce uncontested and agree on a parenting plan that will be best for your children. However, this step can be waived in the event you are abusing due to extreme circumstances such as abuse.
How Can Experienced Norco Divorce Lawyers Help Me?
When you are getting divorced, there are so many issues at stake, most of which are of grave personal importance to you. You need legal representation who can juggle all of these interests and fight for each of the things that matters, including:
- Should your house be sold or will one of you keep it?
- Who should keep your pets?
- How will child custody and support be divided?
- How will high net worth assets such as vehicles, land, or horses be divided?
- How will a mutually owned business be handled?
- Will either of you pay alimony or child support?
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that neither party has to prove that wrongdoing led to the breakdown of the marriage in order to pursue divorce. However, if your ex cheated, abused you, has a debilitating addiction, abandoned you, or caused some other irretrievable conflict, you can allege these issues in court in order to get a more advantageous ruling from a judge. For example, if you are divorcing due to your spouse’s gambling addiction, the court might rule that you are entitled to a greater portion of the monetary assets.
Our Norco divorce lawyers can advocate for your best interests and protect your rights at each stage of the process. We can explain all of your options, and if necessary, make a persuasive case in court for your desired outcome!
The Grey Legal Group Can Help You Settle Your Divorce Fairly
Heading for divorce? The Grey Legal Group can help you fight for the fair arrangement you deserve. Reach out to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team and learn how we can make a difference in your divorce experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I post about my divorce on social media?
It is best to keep the information you put online about your divorce to a minimum. At worst, a judge might interpret your posts as harmful, spiteful, or compromising. You do not want to be caught publicly disrespecting your spouse, so it is best to keep the details of your divorce as offline as possible.
How long does divorce take in California?
On average, California divorce takes at least six months. If your divorce is contested or there are high net worth assets at stake, you can expect it to be even longer.
What if I need a protective order?
If you are divorcing due to abuse or you suspect that your ex might retaliate against you because you have filed for divorce, you can ask the court for a protective order. This order will prevent your ex from contacting you and your children and will also require them to vacate the house you two share.
