Divorce in San Diego
PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR TRANSITIONING FAMILIES ®
The decision to divorce is never easy, but Schaffer Family Law Group is here to make the process easier for you and your family. No two families are the same, which means that divorce, also known legally as a dissolution of marriage, can be very complex. Our extensive experience and empathetic approach allow us to work with you to find resolutions that suit you and your family’s specific needs.
No Fault – Irreconcilable Differences Is Enough
If you are the party seeking a divorce, it is important to note that California is a “no fault” state, which means that you do not need to prove that your spouse or domestic partner has done anything wrong. “Irreconcilable differences” is a significant enough reason for one party to choose to end the relationship, whether or not both spouses agree that the marriage is irreparable and want to divorce.
Choosing the Right Path for You
Due to the sensitive interpersonal dynamics and the complexities related to the valuation and division of property debt accumulated during the marriage, child custody and child support arrangements and other important issues, a dissolution of marriage can be costly, time-consuming, and emotionally exhausting, regardless of the state of the current relationship of the two parties. In order to keep intimate personal and financial details out of the public record, divorcing couples, particularly high-profile and high-net worth couples, often choose to dissolve their marriage through private divorce mediation.
The Divorce Process
MAKING IT EASIER FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Know What to Expect: Filing and Responding
The divorce process begins when one party files a petition with the court and is final when the court issues a divorce decree. The same is true for parties looking to end a registered domestic partnership. You do not need to file for divorce in the county you were married – either party in a divorce can file in the county in which the family currently resides. The majority of our clients file for divorce in the San Diego family law courts. It also does not matter which party files for divorce – there is no advantage for the party who files the divorce, and no disadvantage to the party responding in the eyes of the court. However, if your spouse or domestic partner has filed for divorce, you will only have thirty days to respond to the court. In general, it takes six months at a minimum from the time a divorce petition is filed until the divorce is finalized by the court.
Skilled Family Law Attorneys to Guide You
Whether you are the party filing or responding to a petition, it is important to have a skilled San Diego family law attorney guide you through the process and ensure that you, your loved ones and your assets are properly protected as your family begins to move forward. Each family is different, and so are their needs. How spousal support and alimony, child support and child custody, relocation of children, and the division of property and debt are determined are all important to your family’s future success, and having an attorney advocate for the best interests of you and your children can be critical.
Representation in Most Types of Divorce
SPECIALISTS IN HIGH NET WORTH AND COMPLEX CASES
Schaffer Family Law Group has handled nearly every type of divorce, but in particular, the firm specializes in handling sophisticated, highly complex and multi-faceted cases. We also have significant experience in the following areas: