Divorce Attorney in West Covina, California, and throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties

Statistics from the American Community Survey indicate that 104,935 women and 90,565 men went through divorces in California in 2019. Divorce is often an emotional experience for every party involved and can have huge effects on your family, finances, children, and assets. With heightened emotions and the psychological toll involved, someone going through a divorce can easily make irreversible mistakes without detailed guidance or experienced representation.

If you are considering filing for divorce or if you've just been served with divorce papers, consulting with a knowledgeable California family law attorney is important for proper guidance. At my firm, I'm dedicated to providing experienced legal services and guiding individuals and families through complicated divorce proceedings. I'm available to discuss your circumstances and help you understand your legal options. I can also help settle matters of property division, alimony, child custody, support, and visitation and help make the transition as seamless as possible.

My firm — Eugene F. Cristiano, Attorney at Law — proudly represents clients in West Covina, California, and throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Divorce in California

Filing for divorce in the state of California requires you or your spouse to have been living in the state for at least 180 days prior to filing. Likewise, you must have lived in the county in which you are filing for three months. You will also be required to wait for at least six months after filing your divorce papers before your divorce can be finalized.

No-Fault Divorce

California is a "no-fault" divorce state. This means that spouses seeking a divorce in California are not required to show that the other party's actions were responsible for the divorce. If you're filing for divorce in California, the acceptable grounds include (California Family Code Section 2310):

• Irreconcilable differences leading to the permanent breakdown of the marriage

• Insanity (permanent legal incapacity to make decisions)

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

California recognizes two categories of divorces — contested and uncontested.

Uncontested Divorce

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses mutually agree on the important terms and conditions of the divorce settlement. The parties are able to settle asset division, alimony, child custody, child support, and visitation matters amicably. Once all divorce matters have been resolved, you must file the agreed-upon terms with the court for official approval. An experienced lawyer can help protect your best interests and keep the conversation productive.

Contested Divorce

In a contested divorce, the spouses are unable to agree on one or more key conditions of the divorce settlement. Resolving such divorce issues requires the intervention of the family court. A divorce hearing will be scheduled, and during the hearing, the judge will finalize the divorce through a decree. A knowledgeable attorney can help present your case meticulously and improve your chances of reaching the best possible outcome.

How Long Does a Divorce Take?

After filing your divorce petition and serving it on your spouse, you still need to wait for at least six months before your divorce can be finalized. If there are contested issues, finalizing a divorce may take even longer.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help

Filing for divorce in California involves several complex procedures. Negotiating a divorce settlement with your estranged spouse, dividing marital property, establishing spousal support, and agreeing on a parenting plan can make the whole process more overwhelming. When considering filing for divorce, it is important that you consult with an experienced California family law attorney for guidance and help in simplifying the process.

At my firm, I have the resources and experience to guide and assist clients in family law matters, including divorce, spousal support, asset division, child custody, and support. As your attorney, I will evaluate your situation and explore your available options. Using my extensive knowledge and legal understanding, I will work meticulously with you and your spouse to settle divorce matters amicably and peacefully. I will fight to protect your legal rights and help you in a way that works best for you.