Divorce

As certified family law specialists with decades of experience in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, the knowledgeable Oxnard lawyers at Richard Ross Associates help individuals and families throughout Southern California with advice and representation in divorce matters.

California law allows for a no-fault divorce, permitting spouses to seek a dissolution of their marriage based on irreconcilable differences. This approach makes getting a divorce easier because one spouse does not have to prove misconduct by the other spouse in order to establish grounds for divorce. However, the parties still must prove that the marriage relationship has broken down and cannot be repaired. Our Camarillo divorce attorneys can help you with this.

How Divorce Proceedings Work

In many respects, a divorce proceeding progresses similarly to a civil trial. One spouse files a petition, and the other spouse has 30 days to file a response. Both spouses then must complete and file financial disclosures of their assets and liabilities, and they may request interim orders from the court for child custody, child support, and spousal support. The parties may enter mediation either voluntarily or by court order to try to resolve their issues, including property division. If they cannot reach agreement, the matter goes to trial, where a judge reviews evidence and hears testimony from witnesses and arguments from the attorneys. The judge resolves the disputed issues and enters a divorce decree.

By law, the time for a divorce from filing the petition to issuing the decree cannot be less than six months. In reality, as a Thousand Oaks divorce attorney can explain, the process can take longer, depending upon the number and complexity of issues in dispute related to matters such as custody, support, and the property settlement.

Legal Separation May Be an Option

Legal separation is also an option that may meet the spouses' needs in certain circumstances. For instance, California's residency requirement prohibits a divorce petition from being filed unless at least one spouse has been a legal resident of the state for the previous six months. Still, the parties may file for legal separation, which can include temporary orders for child custody and support. With the help of an experienced Oxnard divorce attorney, a separation can later be converted to a divorce once the parties become eligible. A separation may also be a viable option for parties who are not prepared for the finality of a divorce, yet need to make a legal separation for various reasons.

A Quality Legal Team on Your Side

Whether you are seeking a divorce or legal separation, obtaining the services of a qualified Westlake Village attorney is vital to making sure that your rights are protected and your interests are fairly represented in the process. In mediation or a courtroom hearing, a skilled divorce lawyer knows how to advocate effectively for your position and help you reach a solution that works for you and your family. If you are contemplating a divorce or have been served with a summons, contact Richard Ross Associates for a free consultation to discuss your case.