- Can I speak to a divorce and family law attorney over the phone and ask specific questions regarding my situation?
Yes – Call the Divorce Law LA today to speak with one of our skilled attorneys about your situation. We are here to answer your questions and to assist you in creating a plan of action around your pending divorce. The protection of your rights and assets is our number one priority, so call our Pasadena offices today at (626) 478-3550 for a free consultation with a divorce and family law attorney.
- How long does the divorce process take?
If all elements of the divorce process go smoothly and in a timely manner, you are looking at roughly a 6-month period from the time that paperwork is served to the closing of a divorce case. In many cases, it can take much longer if problems arise and matters become contentious between parties. If you enter the litigation process, the proceedings can take months, sometimes even years to reach a solution between parties. Settling out of court is another option that requires additional time as well. Patience throughout the divorce process is necessary, as is ensuring that you are supported by an expert divorce and family law attorney.
- How much does it cost to get a divorce?
Divorce is never an inexpensive undertaking with its many complexities that contribute to the overall cost. Relying on online research for divorce costs will give you a false sense of the realistic costs, especially when you are bombarded by advertisements for “Low-Cost Divorce.” On average, the divorce process in the United States costs anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000, although in some situations with divorces involving high net-worth clients, a divorce can cost well over $100,000.
- With the separation of material and financial wealth, will my spouse receive 50% of everything we owned together?
In the state of California, divorce proceedings adhere to a “Communal Property” distribution model, which means that all monies and assets earned during the course of a marriage are owned equally by both spouses. Each divorce case is unique and there is not a “one size fits all” model to accurately decide how assets will be divided. Alterations to the division of property and assets is possible and can be adjusted to provide a lower spousal support and/or child support amount. Having a skilled divorce and family law attorney on your side throughout this process is essential.
- Should I consider mediation in my separation and divorce situation?
Mediation is a highly sought after and effective tool for conflict resolution and divorce related disputes. Regardless of whether you take the route of mediation or litigation, you should seek the counsel of a skilled divorce and family law attorney to establish an effective plan and to outline all of your options. Mediation can be an incredibly effective method for reducing court costs and the stress of divorce on you and your family.
- How is child custody determined?
The court always takes immense care and excercises significant discretion when it comes to deciding custody based on the best interests of the child or children. The optimal preference is for children to have regular, frequent and ongoing contact with both parents to ensure the highest level of stability for the child.
- How is child support calculated?
In the state of California, the courts adhere to a statewide uniform guideline for establishing child support using a Payment Estimator that takes into account a wide variety of factors, including the financial needs of the child and the overall financial landscape of both parents.
- What is the difference between legal separation and divorce?
At the end of a legal separation, spouses are technically still legally married. At the end of a divorce, your marital status is terminated and you are considered to be single. Legal separation is not a mandatory precursor to divorce, and despite the differences between the two, the legal system is for the most part identical for both.
Speak to a Pasadena Family Lawyer.