Carlsbad Family Law Attorneys

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that there are a lot of questions and concerns when it comes to divorce and family law, and every situation is unique. To shed some light, we’ve compiled a list of answers to the questions we receive most frequently from current and prospective clients. We hope that this provides some clarity and helps set your mind at ease about the process ahead.

DIVORCE FAQ

What is the first step in divorce?

The first step to obtaining a divorce in California is to file a Petition for Dissolution. Once the Petition is filed, it must be personally served on the opposing spouse or “Respondent” (unless the opposing spouse agrees to accept service by mail and acknowledges receipt of the Petition). The Respondent then has 30 days during which to file a Response. If your spouse, as the Respondent, fails to meet this deadline, you can request that the court enter a default against your spouse.

Many divorces are very simple and can be done relatively quickly—often without the assistance of a divorce lawyer. However, if there is significant property involved, children of the marriage or one spouse makes a significantly greater level of income than the other spouse, it is always wise to at least consult with an experienced divorce lawyer before proceeding on your own.

How long does it take to get divorced in California?

The State of California imposes a 6-month jurisdictional time period in all divorce cases. This means that you cannot officially be divorced at any point sooner than 6 months from the service of the Petition for Dissolution on the Respondent. However, many cases will settle prior to the six-month period.

If your divorce case comes to resolution prior to the 6-month period, you can have a judgment for divorce entered that states a marital termination date at some point in the future. All of the terms of your settlement, including property division, debt division, child support, spousal support, child custody and visitation etc. will go into effect upon the execution of the agreement. Your marital status will not change to “single” until the date specified in the judgment.

Who gets to live in the house during a divorce?

In some cases, the parties may decide that they can cohabitate during the divorce process. If the house is big enough, one spouse may choose to move into a separate room. However, most divorcing couples do not wish to continue living together and the parties are faced with the dispute over who gets to remain in the house.

If there is no agreement with respect to who gets to remain in the marital residence, one party can request “exclusive use and possession” of the marital residence. If the court orders exclusive use and possession to one party, the opposing spouse can no longer reside or enter the marital residence without the express permission of the in-spouse or a court order.

When children are involved, the best course is to keep as stable an environment as possible for the benefit of the children. Therefore, in cases wherein one parent has primary custodianship of the children, that parent would most likely receive exclusive use and possession of the residence.

What is the difference between divorce and legal separation?

There is one major difference between divorce and legal separation: A divorce terminates marital status and returns both parties to “single” status while a legal separation preserves the status of the parties as a married couple.

Every issue adjudicated in a divorce is also adjudicated as part of a legal separation. Property is divided, debts are divided, child support and spousal support orders are made, and child custody orders are made as part of a legal separation. Legal separation is a good alternative for those couples who know they can no longer live together but are unsure as to whether or not reconciliation is a viable option ion the future. Once complete, a legal separation can easily be converted into a divorce down the road.

How expensive is it to get divorced?

Divorces can be very inexpensive or ridiculously expensive depending on many variables, including the reasonableness of the parties and, unfortunately, the willingness of the attorneys chosen by each party to work together toward an inexpensive solution.

At Griffith, Young & Lass, we always encourage settlement first. Divorce lawyers are known for running up the bill and over-litigating divorce cases for no good reason. In our experience, almost every case is a few candid conversations away from the full settlement. Unfortunately, in many cases, motions are filed and contentious issues are brought before the court before the parties and their attorneys ever discuss settlement. At GYL, we are of the opinion that this type of practice is doing a disservice to the client.

Can I have my ex pay my attorney fees?

The general attorney’s fees statute used by divorce lawyers in California Is Family Code Section 2030. This authority allows the court to order an attorney’s fees contribution based upon the need of the requesting party for a contribution and the ability of the requested party to pay while looking at the disparity or difference between the incomes of the parties.

Most divorce lawyers will request an upfront retainer deposit in order to begin your case. They will then request that your spouse reimburse you for the attorney’s fees paid upfront. In cases wherein we believe that there is a good chance for an attorney’s fees contribution from the opposing spouse, we will take the divorce case for a very low upfront retainer and put the client on a manageable payment plan until we can get some relief from the wage earner on the other side.

What if I have a prenuptial agreement?

If you have a prenuptial agreement, the first issue to address is whether or not the agreement is valid and thus enforceable in family court. Either you or your spouse may wish to challenge the validity of the agreement. If the prenuptial agreement is either not challenged or found to be valid after it has been challenged, your divorce just became a whole lot simpler. Depending on the terms of the prenuptial agreement, there may or may not be additional issues to address in your divorce.

How are businesses divided in a divorce?

It depends on whether the business was started during the marriage or prior to marriage. Depending on the type of business and facts relevant to the management and investment sources related to the business, there are different formulas that your divorce lawyer will use in order to determine your respective rights concerning the business. This is a complex area of the law and it is very important that you understand your rights and obligations related to the business.

SPOUSAL SUPPORT FAQ

What is temporary spousal support?

Temporary spousal support is spousal support ordered and paid during the pendency of a proceeding for divorce. Some counties in California adhere to a guideline calculation when ordering spousal support. Temporary support in these counties is calculated much like child support with the family court judge plugging numbers into a calculator and ordering what the computer says they should order. San Diego County does not necessarily adhere to a guideline calculation. However, divorce lawyers who practice in San Diego will use a guideline calculation as a guide when advising their clients. Often, the court will use the guideline as a starting point as well.

How much spousal support will I have to pay / will I receive?

The amount of spousal support is determined by looking at the need of the supported spouse and the ability of the supporting spouse, as well as several other factors codified as part of Family Code Section 4320. The purpose of spousal support is to ensure that the supported spouse is able to maintain as close to the marital standard of living as possible for a reasonable time and until that spouse can become self-supporting.

If spousal support is an issue in your case, call GYL and we can give you an estimate for the level of support based on the factors that the court will consider.

How is spousal support decided?

California family court judges consider many factors when making a final spousal support determination, including: the marital standard of living; the earning capacity of each party; the requesting party’s need for support; the supporting party’s ability to pay; the age and health condition of each party; the length of marriage; each party’s access to assets, including separate property assets; any equitable consideration related to one party having forgone career opportunities in order to rear children of the marriage.

How long will I have to pay spousal support?

The general rule is that for marriages of short duration (less than 10 years from the date of marriage to the date of separation), spousal support lasts for one half the term of the marriage. For marriages of long duration (over ten years from the date of marriage to the date of separation), the term of spousal support is indefinite and the court will not set a cut-off date during the initial divorce proceeding.

There are many ways to negotiate settlement when it comes to spousal support. Often, parties will agree to a lump sum buyout in exchange for a termination of spousal support obligation. At GYL, we will often negotiate a step-down approach to settling spousal support disputes.

Generally (but not always), temporary spousal support is less than the permanent spousal support order made upon either settlement or trial. The reason for this is that when considering permanent spousal support, the family court looks at many more factors, including but not limited to the division of property and debts and each party’s prospective earning potential.

Can spousal support be modified?

Spousal support can be modified any time there is a change in the circumstances of the parties. For marriages of long duration, wherein a cut-off date for permanent spousal support is not negotiated, the supporting spouse has the affirmative obligation to seek a downward modification or a termination in support. If he/she does not obtain an order for a reduction or termination in support, the previous order stands. Spousal support does not automatically change when the supporting spouse loses his/her job, retires, or receives a pay cut.

As a supporting spouse, it is always wise to revisit the financial circumstances of the parties every year by requesting that the supporting spouse submit an Income and Expense Declaration.

PROPERTY DIVISION FAQ

How do California Divorce Courts divide property?

California adheres to what is known as the “community property law.” Community property states generally treat a marriage much like a business and the spouses as partners in the business. As such, divorce is much like the dissolution of a partnership when it comes to dividing property.

Community property law says that all assets, debts, and accumulations on those assets or liabilities associated with the debts acquired after the date of marriage and prior to the date of separation are considered to be community assets and debts. The exception is gifts and inheritances that are presumed to be the separate property of the spouse receiving the gift or inheritance.

Where California divorces get complicated is when separate property is “comingled” or mixed with community property or vice versa.

How do California Courts divide debts?

The general rule is that all debts acquired after marriage and prior to the date of separation are community debts to be divided equally between the spouses. However, some exceptions apply with respect to characterization of a debt acquired during the marriage, as well as the allocation of true community debt upon dissolution. It is possible to have more than one half of the community debt ordered against one spouse.

Are my spouse’s student loans considered community debt?

Generally, student loan debt is considered to be the separate debt of the borrowing spouse. However, depending on whether the student loan proceeds were used to acquire property or to help support the family, these debts may be allocated and treated as community debt.

What do we do if our house is upside down?

This is a common problem in today’s market. Years ago, divorce lawyers were helping their clients divide the equity in the community residence. Now, it seems that every client who walks in the door has a house that is worth less than they owe. To make matters worse often there is a hefty second mortgage attached. In a case like this, the house is considered to be a community liability rather than a community asset. You have two choices: one party can keep the house and assume the debt along with it, or the parties can either attempt a short sale or allow the house to go into foreclosure. The caveat in a situation wherein one party decides to keep the house is that the party keeping the house is going to have to find a way to refinance in order to remove the other spouse from the loans associated with the house. This is increasingly difficult with a house that has no value.

At GYL, we have helped many clients come up with some creative solutions when it comes to dealing with an underwater community residence. Sometimes it takes some creativity and willingness on both sides to sacrifice and bend a bit, but the problem of the upside-down house is not unsolvable.

Is a gift between a husband and wife considered community property?

This is an interesting and evolving area of family law practice in California. The short answer is that it depends. Current case law in California says that whether a gift between spouses is considered to be a “transmutation” of that property from community property to separate property depends on the value of the gift compared to the overall value of the marital estate.

If the gift is substantial compared to the value of the estate, then the gift will probably be deemed community property. Conversely, if the gift is relatively inconsequential when compared to the value of the marital estate then the court will probably find that the gift is the separate property of the giftee.

Who gets to keep the engagement ring upon divorce?

An engagement ring is a gift given in contemplation of marriage and considered to be a conditional gift. The condition is satisfied upon the marriage taking place. If the wedding is canceled and the engagement terminated, the one “calling it off” is the loser. In other words, the woman gets to keep the ring if the man calls off the engagement. Once the parties are married, the engagement ring is just like any other piece of property brought into the marriage—it is the separate property of the party bringing it into the marriage (generally the wife).

We realize that you likely have many more questions in addition to the ones listed above. We would be happy to sit down with you and answer them during a consultation. Contact us online or call (858) 371-5569 to get started.

Meet Our Team 

Honest. Fearless. Bold.
  • John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS
  • Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS
  • Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS
  • Shirin Asgari, Esq., CFLS
  • Noelle J. Slattery, Esq.
  • Eric Cowdery, Esq.
  • Joshua Yee, Esq.
  • Shaudi Malekzadeh, Esq.
  • Lea Trojanowski, Esq.
  • Greyson Sharp, Esq.
  • Brittany Van Ryder, Esq.
  • Karissa Piralla, Esq.
  • John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS

    Partner

    John Griffith has practiced exclusively in the area of family law since 2009. John is a Certified Family Law Specialist certified as an expert in the area of family law by the California Board of Legal Specialization. Prior to opening Griffith, Young & Lass, he worked as the managing partner of one of the largest family law firms in North County San Diego.
    John N. Griffith, Esq., CFLS Photo
  • Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS

    Partner

    Catie E. Young excels in child custody cases and move-away trials. She has a unique approach to child custody cases and clients of Griffith, Young & Lass tend to gravitate toward her in these cases. Since joining the firm, she has continuously brought her zeal and compassion to representing clients in child custody and domestic violence cases, and in December 2011, she became a partner at Griffith, Young & Lass.
    Catie E. Young, Esq., CFLS Photo
  • Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS

    Partner

    Amy Lass, a certified family law specialist, was born in New York and raised in San Diego, California. Amy graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2003 with a B.S. in Economics with a concentration in Enterprise Accounting. Amy went on to earn her law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and graduated cum laude in 2006.
    Amy J. Lass, Esq., CFLS Photo
  • Shirin Asgari, Esq., CFLS Shirin Asgari, Esq., CFLS

    Associate

    Attorney Shirin Asgari has a broad spectrum of legal experience and has handled matters in family law, criminal law, business law, and national security law. Currently, she focuses on family law matters and is a strong advocate for the rights of her clients. She dedicates time and attention to the needs of each client and the unique circumstances their case presents.
    Shirin  Asgari, Esq., CFLS Photo
  • Noelle J. Slattery, Esq. Noelle J. Slattery, Esq.

    Associate

    Noelle J. Slattery, Esq. has a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts/Acting from Emerson College in Boston and a Juris Doctor ...
    Noelle J. Slattery, Esq. Photo
  • Eric Cowdery, Esq. Eric Cowdery, Esq.

    Associate

    Eric Cowdery earned his bachelor’s and Master’s degrees before earning his JD from Golden Gate University as part of the Honors Lawyering Program. He was admitted to the California Bar Association in 2013 and has been working diligently in the field ever since. Taking a personalized approach to each case, Eric Cowdery is committed to working with clients to help them through the often confusing and complex legal process of divorce.

    Eric  Cowdery, Esq. Photo
  • Joshua Yee, Esq. Joshua Yee, Esq.

    Associate

    Attorney Joshua Yeereceived his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, from the University of California, San Diego. Joshua went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from University of San Francisco. His experience working with a local Certified Family Law Specialist solidified his desire to become a family law attorney. Since becoming an attorney, Josh has exclusively practiced in family law.
    Joshua  Yee, Esq. Photo
  • Shaudi Malekzadeh, Esq. Shaudi Malekzadeh, Esq.

    Associate

    Shaudi Malekzadeh is a Carlsbad family law attorney at Griffith, Young & Lass, advocating for the rights and interests of Southern California families in a variety of family law cases, such as child custody, alimony, spousal support, and the division of community property. She is committed to delivering effective legal representation to our clients, aggressively advocating for their legal rights, and offering compassionate legal advice.
    Shaudi  Malekzadeh, Esq. Photo
  • Lea Trojanowski, Esq. Lea Trojanowski, Esq.

    Associate

    Lea Trojanowski is an attorney with Griffith, Young, and Lass, joining the firm in March 2021. Her pragmatic and level-headed approach to family law has allowed her to be successful in even the most emotional family law cases. Lea has effectively represented clients in a wide range of family law proceedings, but is particularly drawn to domestic violence restraining order cases.
    Lea  Trojanowski, Esq. Photo
  • Greyson Sharp, Esq. Greyson Sharp, Esq.

    Associate

    Greyson Sharp received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from California State University, Fresno. After ...
    Greyson  Sharp, Esq. Photo
  • Brittany Van Ryder, Esq. Brittany Van Ryder, Esq.

    Associate

    Brittany Van Ryder joined Griffith, Young, and Lass as a Bar Clerk in September 2022. She became an Associate Attorney at the ...
  • Karissa Piralla, Esq. Karissa Piralla, Esq.

    Associate

    A San Diego native, Karissa earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communication from UCSD and a Juris Doctorate from the University ...

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    “GYL has been an extraordinary support and backing in my divorce. Being a male in the military, the process for divorce and custody is difficult. GYL was extremely helpful, and I was able to full custody of my children. That alone is such a monumental feat.”

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Why GYL? 

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  • We're Leaders in Our Field

    From case planning to preparation, to superior courtroom presence, our clients can be sure that they will walk into the Courtroom prepared and with the best chance of success.

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    Our representation is tailored to the unique circumstances of each client. We deploy the GYL strategic case trajectory dynamic to ensure the best chance at success at the most reasonable cost. 

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    We don't believe in wasting our client's time and money. Helping people is what drives us to excel at our craft. We first identify the goals and interests of each client, we then develop an efficient and effective case plan aimed at achieving those goals.

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    We believe in a responsible and ethical practice and stick to our values regardless of the situation. We're transparent and don't just tell our clients what they want to hear, unless it's what we believe, even if it may deter them from moving forward. We stand by our team's expertise and will always be upfront and honest with our clients. 

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