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.
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.
Trusted, Respected, & Highly Recommended
At Family Law Advocacy Group, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"They will work until they get the best outcome for your case."They are very caring, compassionate and understanding. Family Law Advocacy Group puts themselves in your shoes. If I could give more than 5 stars I would!- Briana Gastelum
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"Family Law Advocacy Group has been a godsend and I can't thank them enough for all that they've done."I know how difficult it is to find a new attorney to handle such personal matters in your life so I feel fortunate to have engaged them.- J Kim
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"They are very confident attorneys despite the complexity of the case and show up READY!"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.- Sari De La Cerra
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"Family Law Advocacy Group provides some of the best law services around."My attorney is responsive, thorough, and made sure I had complete understanding of my options. And, to those whom are reading this, don't go to court without him. And for those who find themselves at the opposite table of Family Law Advocacy Group, PRAY...- Darrel Gomez
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"I am so grateful to have found someone who takes interest in their clients and cares."Family Law Advocacy Group has some of the few attorneys who are very attentive to detail and what is in the best interest of their clients.- Rachel Bello