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Riverside Divorce Lawyer

Going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful and emotional experiences in life. Not only does it involve ending a marriage, but it also requires navigating complex legal issues such as property division, child custody, child support, and alimony. At Family Law Advocacy Group, our skilled Riverside divorce lawyers are here to provide compassionate guidance and aggressive legal representation to protect your rights and best interests throughout the divorce process.

Contact us at Family Law Advocacy Group to schedule your initial case review.

What is a Divorce?

A divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage by a court. In California, divorce is also referred to as a “dissolution of marriage.” When you file for divorce, the court addresses issues such as the division of property, spousal support, child custody, and child support.

California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not have to prove wrongdoing by your spouse to get a divorce. The most common reason cited is “irreconcilable differences,” which means the marriage cannot be repaired.

While some divorces are relatively straightforward, others involve complicated disputes, especially when children, significant assets, or disagreements about financial support are involved. Having an experienced Riverside divorce lawyer ensures that your rights are fully protected from start to finish.

Common Factors in a Divorce

Every divorce is unique, but there are certain common factors that must be resolved before a court finalizes the case:

Alimony (Spousal Support)

Alimony is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce. The court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage when determining the amount and duration of spousal support.

Child Custody

Child custody arrangements determine where the child will live and how important decisions will be made regarding their upbringing. California courts prioritize the “best interests of the child,” considering factors such as the child’s health, safety, emotional needs, and each parent’s ability to provide care.

Child Support

Child support is a court-ordered payment from one parent to the other to help cover the costs of raising a child. The amount is determined by California’s statewide guidelines, which consider factors such as both parents’ incomes, the amount of time each parent spends with the child, and other financial obligations.

Property Division

California follows community property law, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are split equally between the spouses. This can include real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement plans, and personal property. Property acquired before the marriage, or through inheritance or gift, is generally considered separate property and not subject to division.

California Divorce Laws

Understanding California divorce laws can help you prepare for the process ahead:

Residency Requirements – At least one spouse must have lived in California for six months and in Riverside County for at least three months before filing for divorce.
No-Fault Divorce – You don’t need to prove infidelity or misconduct; simply stating “irreconcilable differences” is enough.
Mandatory Waiting Period – A divorce in California cannot be finalized until at least six months after the non-filing spouse is served with divorce papers.
Community Property Rule – Assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to be community property and divided equally, unless proven otherwise.
Child Custody Standard – Custody decisions are made based on the child’s best interests, not the parents’ preferences.

Divorce Proceedings in CA

While each divorce is different, the basic steps in California typically include:

Filing the Petition – One spouse (the petitioner) files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court.
Serving the Papers – The other spouse (the respondent) must be formally served with the divorce documents.
Response – The respondent has 30 days to file a response, either agreeing or contesting the petition.
Financial Disclosures – Both parties exchange information about their income, expenses, assets, and debts.
Negotiations and Settlement – Many divorces are resolved through settlement agreements covering property division, custody, and support.
Court Hearings or Trial – If disputes cannot be resolved, the court will hold hearings or a trial to make final decisions.
Final Judgment – Once all issues are resolved, the court issues a final judgment officially ending the marriage.

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Recognized for Excellence

Our attorneys have earned respected industry awards and peer recognition for our commitment to delivering exceptional representation to every client we serve.
Putting Your Family First, Always

We take the time to understand your priorities, your concerns, and your long-term goals - so you always feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the process.
Outstanding Negotiating Skills

Our team combines sharp legal strategy with seasoned negotiation skills. We know when to push, when to protect, and how to position you for the best outcome.
Board-Certified Advocates

Being Board Certified by the California State Bar means meeting the highest standards of experience, education, peer review, and successful case handling.

Divorce FAQs

How long does a divorce take in California?

The minimum time is six months, but contested cases can take much longer depending on the complexity of the issues and the level of conflict.

Can we use the same lawyer for a divorce?

No. One lawyer cannot represent both spouses because it would be a conflict of interest. Each spouse should have independent legal representation.

What if my spouse doesn’t want a divorce?

You can still obtain a divorce even if your spouse does not agree. California does not require both spouses to consent.

Will I have to go to court?

If you and your spouse reach a settlement, you may not need to attend court hearings. Contested divorces usually require court appearances.

How is child custody decided?

Custody is determined based on the best interests of the child, which may involve input from both parents, the court, and, in some cases, a child custody evaluator.

Speak with an Experienced Riverside Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is not just a legal process—it’s an emotional journey that can affect your family, finances, and future. At Family Law Advocacy Group, we provide the compassionate support and skilled legal advocacy you need to navigate this challenging time. Our team has extensive experience handling everything from straightforward uncontested divorces to complex, high-asset cases involving disputes over custody, support, and property.

Call us today at (909) 992-0188 and take the first step towards a clear path forward.

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I Felt Supported and Understood
“From the moment I contacted their office, I felt heard, supported, and—most importantly—understood. They made the process feel manageable and gave me peace of mind every step of the way. They truly fought for what was best for me and my family.”

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He Truly Listened
“Going through a custody battle was extremely stressful, but Thomas McColl made me feel supported and confident the entire time. He truly listened, explained everything clearly, and fought for what was best for my child.”

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“My attorney is a great child support attorney—professional, caring, and easy to work with. She explained everything clearly and truly had my child’s best interests in mind. I highly recommend her and this firm.”

- Laura A.
They Treated Me Like A Person
“I had an excellent experience with this law office. From the moment I contacted their office, the staff was professional, kind, and incredibly helpful. What really stood out was how the entire team treated me like a person, not just a case.”

- Cristina C.
Exceptionally Attentive
“Stephen has been exceptionally attentive, communicative, and genuinely invested to my case. He takes the time to walk me through every step, answers all of my questions promptly, and ensure I always feel informed and supported.”

- Toni M.
They Listened to My Concerns
“The staff was so helpful and understood completely what I was hoping to achieve! They were amazing in assisting me with my divorce and always listened to my concerns and needs as a client. I couldn’t be happier with my outcome.”

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“They are very caring, compassionate and understanding. They will work until they get the best outcome for your case. Working with them, I saw nothing but professionalism and commitment to each client they had.”

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“Finding an attorney you can not only trust, but also have confidence in to deliver results is not an easy task. They have been a godsend and I can't thank them enough for all that they have done. I feel fortunate to have engaged them.”

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“Family Law Advocacy Group are true professionals! They were quick to prepare on such short notice; organized, punctual and calm under pressure. They have equal amounts of empathy as they do fight.”

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They Take Interest in Clients
“They are very attentive to detail and what is in the best interest of their clients. They are incredibly knowledgeable, thorough, and operate with integrity. They make time for you and get the job done with efficiency.”

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