Examples of Family Law Cases in San Diego
Below is a small sampling of the types of family law cases we handle regularly. Please note that this is a limited list of our services. If you do not see your particular need listed below, do not be discouraged. Instead, call our office at (858) 371-5569 to learn more about our comprehensive family law services and how they may be applicable to your case.
As you can see, it is common for divorces to be complex, especially if the spouses can’t agree on the specifics of the case, such as how to share assets and custody of the children, how much to pay in child support and alimony, and other considerations.
In most cases, the best-case scenario is for you and your spouse to settle out of court using mediation. Your divorce attorney can help you create a settlement strategy that can hopefully bring about a mutually agreeable resolution to the divorce process.
If mediation isn’t possible, or you don’t wish to work with a mediator, an attorney can help you file a petition for dissolution, which is the first step in the California divorce process. Once the petition is received by the court, your spouse will be served. Your spouse will then have 30 days to file a response.
California requires you to wait six months from the date of service of the Petition for Dissolution before the matrimonial status can be terminated.
If divorce court is required, a member of our team will act as your advocate. All documents and information will be collected from the other spouse in order to create a divorce strategy that nets you the best possible outcome for your case.
The paperwork required is another hurdle couples must overcome. Only a qualified attorney can help you fill out all documents with complete authority. Whether it’s the initial divorce filing or another matrimonial matter, like a prenup, our experienced San Diego family attorneys know California law and how it pertains to your unique situation.
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a payment from one spouse to another in order to maintain the status quo. Alimony may be ordered temporarily or permanently, depending on the specifics of the case.
The amount and duration of alimony will be calculated according to the length of the marriage, the amount of income each spouse earns, timesharing considerations with regard to child custody, and other extenuating circumstances.
When two spouses separate, they are still financially obligated to any children they share. This means that child support may be ordered according to the divorce decree.
Child support is typically ordered to be paid by the custodial parent to the primary parent. Even if the couple shares 50-50 or joint custody, child support can be ordered by a California divorce judge.
Many factors are considered when child support is calculated, such as the number of children involved, income level of each parent, timeshare and visitation schedules, and more.
If the marriage involved any level of domestic violence, this can complicate the divorce process. The first step is to extricate yourself from the abusing spouse as quickly as possible. Then, call a qualified divorce lawyer.
Your attorney can help you file the appropriate divorce documentation, including restraining orders that will ensure peace during this trying process. If there are children involved, your family attorney in San Diego can file an emergency child custody order within 48 hours, ensuring the safety of the children.
Under California family law, any assets or debts accumulated during the marriage are subject to division during the divorce process.
A prenuptial agreement or postnuptial agreement prevents some property from being divided and seeks to navigate around the normal rules of earnings and asset division.
A prenuptial agreement lawyer can help you draft the proper forms and submit them to the court to keep your assets intact during your divorce.
What if My Spouse Filed First?
If you have been served with divorce papers in California, now is the time to find a qualified attorney who can help you file the necessary response. You have 30 days from the date of service of the Petition of Dissolution of Marriage to file your response. An experienced San Diego family lawyer can help you file the necessary paperwork to avoid any potential complications.
If you happen to file the wrong paperwork or you don’t fill out the documents properly, this can draw out your divorce and lead to greater expenses. You can keep the divorce process as efficient as possible, thus cutting down on all expenses and stress, by calling our team today.
Looking for the Best Family Lawyer in Carlsbad? Hire GYL!
While divorce is never easy, the process can go by quicker and with less stress when you have an experienced family lawyer by your side. At GYL, our talented family attorneys are experienced beyond their years. We have two certified family law specialists on staff, as well as an entire team of eager, innovative, and strategic-minded lawyers who are committed to helping you achieve a favorable outcome to your divorce or family law matter.
Contact us to schedule a consultation! Dial (858) 371-5569 or complete an online contact form today to get started.
