Divorce

San Diego Family Divorce Lawyers 

Trusted Divorce Attorneys Serving San Diego County, CA

At Shorb & Connor, our San Diego divorce attorneys have over a decade of experience handling complex divorces, military divorces, and high net worth divorces involving business ownership, stock portfolios, and a wide range of assets. Our team works directly with every client, providing them with more than just information about the steps in the divorce process and the forms they must submit. We actively strategize with clients to pursue their interests and help them make crucial decisions for their future. 

Are you considering filing for divorce and want to prepare for what may lie ahead? Have you been served divorce papers and are unsure of what you need to do next? Contact us to arrange a complimentary strategy session. In this meeting, you can ask pressing questions, learn more about our firm, and get detailed information about how our San Diego divorce lawyers can serve you.

Start with our experienced San Diego divorce attorneys by calling (619) 330-0938 or reaching out online. We serve San Diego, Escondido, Poway, Chula Vista, and the surrounding areas.

Understanding Grounds for Divorce in California

In California, divorce can be filed on either no-fault or fault grounds, though the state primarily recognizes no-fault divorces. The two primary grounds for divorce in California are:

  • Irreconcilable Differences: This is the most common ground for divorce in California. Couples who have fundamental disagreements or conflicts that cannot be resolved usually end up divorcing. Most divorcing couples choose this method because it is straightforward and doesn't require specific proof of wrongdoing.
  • Incurable Insanity: This is the only fault-based ground for divorce in California. A spouse may use this ground if they prove that their spouse suffers from a permanent and incurable mental illness. Medical evidence, such as the testimony of a mental health professional, is required. Because of the difficulty of proving insanity, this ground is rarely used.

California’s no-fault divorce system allows couples to end their marriage without assigning blame, which can lead to a faster and less contentious process. It’s important to consult with an experienced San Diego divorce attorney to understand your rights and options during the divorce process in California.

Step-by-Step Overview of California’s Divorce Process

Below is a general roadmap of California’s divorce process:

Filing for Divorce in San Diego

One spouse files for divorce in the county where they reside. To do so, either spouse must have been a California resident for six months and a county resident for at least three months. Ours is a no-fault state, meaning “irreconcilable differences” is an adequate ground for divorce. 

After filing, divorcing parties must wait six months before a court can enter a final judgment of dissolution.

Serving Divorce Papers

The non-filing spouse receives divorce papers acknowledging the receipt of the divorce petition and summons. They have 30 days to respond.  

Disclosure of Financial Information in Divorce

Both parties must disclose financial information, including income, assets, debts, expenses, and other relevant details. This is a crucial part of the divorce process for our attorneys at Shorb & Connor. 

During this phase, they work diligently to determine what property and assets are marital (eligible for distribution) and which are separate (not eligible for distribution). They are also skilled at uncovering hidden assets, such as those that spouses might move upon the divorce filing. 

Negotiation & Settlement in Divorce Cases

California encourages divorcing spouses to engage in negotiations to reach agreements regarding:

If couples reach agreements, they submit formal agreement documents to the court. 

Court Hearings for Divorce Disputes

If disputes remain unresolved, the case may proceed to court hearings, where a judge will decide on contested issues. 

It is important to note that courts can get involved earlier in the divorce process to enact temporary orders. These may allow parties to receive essential monetary support for themselves or their children while navigating divorce. 

Finalizing Your Divorce in San Diego

Once all family law issues are resolved, either through agreements or court decisions, the court will issue a final judgment of dissolution. The judgment includes provisions for property division, child custody, visitation, spousal and child support, and any other relevant matters.

These provisions are not always set in stone. As families evolve and their needs change, it is possible to modify orders. Securing a modification is something a skilled San Diego divorce lawyer like ours at Shorb & Connor can assist with. 

Start with our experienced San Diego divorce attorneys by calling (619) 330-0938 or reaching out online.

Commonly Asked Questions

What should I do if I have been served divorce papers in San Diego?

If you have been served divorce papers in San Diego, it is essential to respond promptly. You typically have 30 days to file a response with the court. Ignoring the papers can lead to a default judgment against you, which may not be in your best interest. It is advisable to consult with a divorce attorney who can guide you through the process, help you understand your rights, and assist in preparing your response. Taking swift action can significantly influence the outcome of your divorce proceedings.

How is property divided during a divorce in California?

In California, property division during a divorce follows community property laws, meaning that assets acquired during the marriage are generally considered jointly owned and are divided equally. However, separate property, which includes assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritances, is not subject to division. It is crucial to disclose all financial information accurately, as this can affect the division of property. Working with a skilled divorce attorney in San Diego can help you have you assets are fairly evaluated and divided according to the law.

Why Choose Shorb & Connor?

Your Legal Challenges, Our Commitment
  • Compassionate Representation

    Our family law firm is dedicated to providing compassionate support. We understand that family law matters are deeply personal, and we are here to listen and offer empathetic guidance every step of the way.

  • Strategic Focus
    We offer a comprehensive strategy for your case, not just a checklist of deadlines and steps. Our goal is to provide a clear, actionable roadmap that aligns with your objectives and leads to the best possible outcomes.
  • Work Directly With Your Attorney
    From the moment you contact us, you will speak directly with an attorney. This ensures that your concerns are immediately addressed by a knowledgeable professional, setting the stage for effective representation.
  • Personalized Goal Setting
    We believe in a collaborative process. By sitting down with you, we identify your objectives and outline a clear plan and strategy to achieve them, providing you with a sense of direction and control.
  • Free Consultations
    Initial consultations are free of charge, providing an opportunity to discuss your case with an attorney without financial obligation.
  • Holistic Approach to Family Law
    We understand the myriad of factors that can impact your case and have the experience to address them all comprehensively.

Our San Diego Divorce Lawyers Can help

As you go through your divorce, you do not want to worry about whether you are making the right decisions or agreeing to things that might adversely affect your rights as a parent, finances, and more. If you partner with us, you can get peace of mind knowing you have an experienced legal advocate guiding you and fighting to achieve your goals in negotiations or court. Do you want more information about the steps to expect in your divorce? Download our free divorce roadmap. Feel free to also contact us to schedule a complimentary strategy session with our San Diego divorce attorneys. 

You can reach our San Diego divorce lawyers at (619) 330-0938 or get in touch via our online contact form. 

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