San Marcos Divorce Attorneys
Fighting for Your Future
From property division to alimony to child custody and support, filing for divorce requires navigating various complex family law disputes. As a result, many people find the process stressful and time-consuming, even if they're on good terms with their spouse.
At Griffith, Young & Lass, our San Marcos divorce lawyers are dedicated to helping clients identify and pursue the best possible outcome in divorce cases. To schedule a consultation with our team for your divorce, contact us online or via phone at (858) 371-5569.
Types of Divorce in CA
California is a no-fault divorce state. To file for divorce in California, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for six months, and have lived in the county they're filing for divorce in for three months.
There are three basic types of divorce in California:
- Default divorce. If one party (the petitioner) files for divorce and the other party (the respondent) fails to file a response within 30 days, the court can enter a default judgment on behalf of the petitioner.
- Uncontested divorce. If both parties agree on terms for their divorce, they can draft and sign a divorce agreement detailing those terms. The petitioner can use the terms of that agreement in their petition for the divorce. The respondent can either waive their right to respond, allowing the court to continue with the divorce, or file a response if they wish to change the terms of the agreement. After examining the agreement, if the court can draft a divorce decree using the terms of the agreement to finalize the divorce.
- Contested divorce. If the parties disagree on terms for their divorce, they'll need to resolve their differences in the courtroom. After the petitioner files a petition for divorce containing their proposed terms and serves it to the respondent, the respondent can file a response detailing their terms for the divorce. The parties can then attend temporary order hearings to determine how processes such as custody are handled while the divorce is ongoing. Eventually, a contested divorce culminates in a trial where the parties can present evidence and witnesses. The court can use the results of that trial to draft a divorce decree and finalize the divorce using terms the judge presiding over the case considers equitable.
Whether you intend to file for a contested or uncontested divorce, you and your spouse will both need to meet certain requirements, such as disclosing all separate and marital assets and liabilities you own to the court.
Generally, uncontested divorces are less expensive and take less time to resolve. For this reason, many people attempt to use forms of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, to obtain an uncontested divorce.
However, sometimes, the additional protections provided by having a court watch over the divorce process are appreciated.
No matter how you want to move forward with your divorce, we can help. Our San Marcos divorce attorneys are here to ensure you find the best path forward in your divorce, regardless of your desired outcome.
To schedule a consultation with our team for your divorce, contact us online or via phone at (858) 371-5569.

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

Our Results Speak for Themselves
Over 100 5-Star Reviews Throughout Our Social Media Platforms
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The way John presented our case was pure genius with meticulous preparation and deliberate action in court.
“We were referred to John Griffith at GYL by our former attorney. I specifically was looking for an aggressive attorney that would yield results. John, Josh, and the firm performed flawlessly, and did ...”
- MoMo M. -
I would highly recommend Griffith, Young & Lass to anyone looking for ethical, honest, hard-working and skillful lawyers.
“I would highly recommend Griffith, Young & Lass to anyone looking for ethical, honest, hard-working and skillful lawyers (I would stress these are actually rare qualities within the legal industry and ...”
- Scott G. -
You cannot find a better law firm.
“I cannot say enough good things about John Griffith and this law firm. Each person i interacted with was responsive, intelligent, thoughtful and professional. Attorney Griffith worked very hard to ...”
- Michelle P. -
It was the best decision I’ve made yet and hopefully, it will be yours too.
“She doesn’t back down from anyone. It was the best decision I’ve made yet and hopefully, it will be yours too.”
- Ian R. -
Understanding, accessible, and I was very happy with the outcome of my case. If I could give a higher rating I would!
“Easy to work with, forthcoming about the process, set realistic expectations, and always kept cost in mind.”
- Jennifer P. -
All three lawyers worked together on the issues surrounding my case, which helped greatly when I was in need of answers or support.
“The GYL team is always prompt at returning calls & emails. From personal experience, I can tell you that they will not step away from your case until it's finished.”
- Kelsey L. -
I couldn’t have made it without them! I highly recommend them!
“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.”
- Frankie S. -
Worth every penny! My custody case went as stress-free as it could possibly be.
“I hate seeing anyone go through custody battles but if you’re in that situation and need someone who is trustworthy and great at what they do, then I swear this is the place to get the help!”
- Emily B. -
I highly recommend GYL if you are ever in need of a family law attorney.
“No matter who I corresponded with they were always knowledgeable of my case and quick to respond.”
- Kimberley F. -
Highly professional and supportive in a very uncertain time in my life.
“My clearance was granted without any additional issues. I'd recommend this legal team to any Soldier needing help with their clearance.”
- K. Brooks -
Always willing to listen to your concerns. I would highly recommend.
“Compassionate and kind, however, he will fight for you and your best interests. He is calm and calculated and extremely smart.”
- Ann M. -
Extremely helpful, responsive, and reasonable and got the job done amidst tenuous circumstances.
“She and her team were extremely compassionate, sensitive with me while concurrently advocating strongly on my behalf.”
- Jeremy R. -
I felt like she was practical and knowledgeable and most importantly, she listened.
“The professional and succinct assistance was a much-needed breath of fresh air in the maze of hurdles and complications with our family law case.”
- David R.
