Divorce Attorney in Los Angeles, CA
Preparing for a divorce requires physical, emotional, and psychological energy from each spouse that may be hard to gather each day — no matter who initiated the divorce proceedings.
Even when spouses agree that divorce is imminent, the details can become overwhelming. That is why our dedicated and compassionate Los Angeles divorce attorney focuses on carrying the weight of your separating circumstances, so you can make informed decisions about your future.
At WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, our divorce lawyer designs more than legal agreements. We create opportunities for our clients that allow them to move forward with confidence and start their new lives with positivity instead of worry. Our top-rated California divorce law firm handles each case with a unique approach to producing results. We can do the same for you.
Our Los Angeles Divorce Attorney Believes in the Details of Your Case
While California is a no-fault divorce state, which means neither spouse must prove the other did something wrong to file for divorce, we know that in the end, it may feel as though everything went wrong.
Working through the details of this life-changing event is something our experienced divorce lawyer takes very seriously, at a pace that is designed to promote confidence — not confusion or despair.
At WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, PC our dedicated divorce attorney knows that just because our clients can list irreconcilable differences on their paperwork does not mean the specific details of their dissolution are as straightforward.
When you have an experienced Los Angeles divorce lawyer by your side, we will effectively file the paperwork with the local courts, and begin negotiating with your spouse and their attorney until your requirements are met or exceeded, so you can focus on your new life without delay.
The Only Los Angeles Divorce Statistic That Matters is Yours
As divorce statistics ebb and flow, and the media highlights that the national number of divorces is in decline, our divorce lawyers in Los Angeles know that you are only focused on your unique circumstances. And so are we.
The fact is, no two Los Angeles County divorces are the same, and no two require the same needs from a family lawyer.
When a couple decides to enter the divorce process, many factors must be considered. This includes child support, property division, and spousal support, some of which can grow increasingly complex, even as standalone issues.
Because family laws, specifically those related to divorce, vary on a state-by-state basis, it is important to understand the California laws, and how they will affect your family’s future.
At WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, our divorce attorney removes any confusion from the process, so your case — no matter how complex on either paper or in person — is finalized with your best interests at the forefront of its closure.
What Are the Grounds for Filing for Divorce in California?
Unlike some states, residents in California can file for divorce on minimal grounds, such as simple irreconcilable differences. This means that there was an irremediable breakdown in the relationship, and there is nothing that either spouse can do to fix it.
Additionally, California, like most other states, is a no-fault jurisdiction, which essentially means that courts will not focus on why, or how, the marriage broke down over time.
This allows our compassionate divorce lawyer to focus on the details of your dissolution, instead of having to prove who caused more harm during the marriage. The truth is the marriage is over. We are now focusing only on your future.
What If My Los Angeles Divorce Involves Children?
At WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, we understand that when you and your spouse share children, their best interests become the focal point of your divorce.
Having children may also heighten the emotional involvement of each case, as we fight for our client’s ability to share their lives fully with the other parent. We are prepared to fight for both you and the children’s best interests.
At WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, PC, our divorce attorney in Los Angeles, CA focuses on the following practice areas:
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Spousal Support
- Domestic Violence
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Same-Sex Prenuptial Agreement
- Paternity
Your divorce is comprised of many complex moving parts, and our marriage dissolution lawyer in Los Angeles will outline a unique plan to establish control of the proceedings. Our Los Angeles divorce lawyer focuses on the details of your case, so there is no single factor left to chance.
What Is the Difference Between Legal Separation and Divorce in California?
There are cases where couples pursue a legal separation, instead of filing for divorce. This is not uncommon and often occurs when the spouses are having marital trouble but are unwilling to end the marriage completely.
In cases where a couple makes the decision to legally separate, but not seek a divorce, it is still possible to address all the key issues that would be addressed during the divorce process, including child custody and support, as well as spousal support and property division.
The only thing a legal separation cannot accomplish is the full dissolution of marriage.
Can My Marriage Be Annulled in California?
The grounds for nullifying a marriage in California are very limited.
When filing for a marriage annulment, the individual seeking nullity must prove very specific grounds for the request, which can include, but are not limited to, bigamy, force, or fraud.
When an annulment is granted, according to the law, the marriage never happened — the parties have always been single people.
What is The Difference Between Hiring Divorce Attorneys for Women and Divorce Attorneys for Men in Los Angeles?
Unless you have a personal preference in the gender of the person who handles your divorce proceedings. the simple answer to whether there is a difference between hiring a divorce lawyer for women or a divorce lawyer for men is no.
Our Los Angeles divorce lawyer examines each of our client’s cases based on the details of the marriage, their requirements from the divorce, and their future physical, emotional, and financial needs.
We focus on achieving optimal success for each of our clients, regardless of their race, gender identification, or sexual orientation. We pursue divorce results for humankind and design each case according to each client’s unique and specific needs.
What Can I Expect During an Initial Consultation with a Divorce Lawyer in Los Angeles?
If you or someone you know is considering divorce in Los Angeles, it is important to enlist the appropriate legal guidance to ensure you are equipped with the knowledge you need to succeed.
Only a divorce attorney qualified in family law can evaluate your case and determine the best course of action, based on your unique circumstances.
The first step in pursuing and evaluating which divorce lawyer is right for you is scheduling an initial consultation.
The most important goal in an initial consultation is to get a comprehensive understanding of your complete needs. After all, the decision to divorce is an important one, and it carries long-term significance for you and your family.
When meeting with a divorce attorney for the first time, it is important to bring anything you find relevant to your current situation into a preliminary consultation.
No two divorce scenarios are the same, which means what is relevant to you – which could be your children and spousal support — may be different for another.
Preparation, regardless of the situation, is essential, and as our divorce lawyer in Los Angeles learns more about your needs, we can provide direction on how to obtain the additional items or information we may need going forward.
Call Our Los Angeles Divorce Lawyers Today at Whitmarsh Family Law to Discuss Your Options
For those residing in and around Southern California, including the City of Los Angeles, our divorce lawyer at WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, PC can provide the sound legal counsel necessary to pursue the results our clients need to move forward with their new lives.
Our Los Angeles family law firm knows that dealing with any divorce is never easy. Let our team of dedicated family law specialists assist you in protecting your future interests as you navigate this difficult time. To schedule a free initial consultation to assess your divorce case, contact WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, PC at (310) 552-3505 today.
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Frequently Asked Questions For Our Los Angeles Divorce Lawyers
Finding a good Los Angeles divorce lawyer begins by researching attorneys who specialize in family law. Search websites, reviews, and practice areas to find a divorce lawyer who offers free initial consultations, so you can determine whether your personalities are a fit for each other. Your California divorce lawyer must match your exact needs, which are unique to each case.
Yes. Hiring a divorce attorney in Los Angeles, California will allow you to evaluate each aspect of your marriage dissolution, so your rights are protected throughout the process. That means pursuing an equitable distribution of your assets and ensuring that your children’s best interests are at the forefront of the proceedings. In some cases, we may be able to recover your legal fees from the other spouse in the final divorce settlement.
Yes. Your divorce attorney can only provide the best representation available when he or she is aware of your complete marital circumstances. The more we know about your family dynamics, the stronger our case.
Divorce in California will take a minimum of six months. California requires a six-month waiting period between filing the paperwork and your divorce becoming final. The more complex the circumstances, including high-asset divorce or contentious child custody and support matters, the longer the process may be.
No. Either spouse can file for divorce in California. As a no-fault divorce state, one spouse does not have to prove the other spouse did anything wrong to file for divorce.
The first step in preparing for divorce in California is contacting a divorce attorney who will advise and prepare you for the upcoming process. He or she will outline the documents you will need to review your financial standing and will record the facts of your case accurately while employing any experts who can testify on your behalf to strengthen your case. Once you hire a Los Angeles divorce attorney, he or she will provide solutions inside and outside the courtroom, so you can move forward with confidence.
During a divorce, spouses must sort through multiple details that must be negotiated with their attorneys, during mediation, or litigated inside the courtroom when they cannot agree to the terms of their divorce in private. Those details include the divorce itself, property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. Legal separation in California covers the same crucial factors, apart from terminating the marriage. When couples are legally separated, they are still also legally married, and cannot remarry during this period.
In California, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period to get divorced. The six-month waiting period for a divorce in California begins after the divorce is filed and proceedings can begin, which is the date the summons or petition is served, or the date of the respondent’s appearance — whichever comes first.
California law requires at least one spouse to be a California resident for at least six months before filing for a divorce and a resident of the county in which they file for a minimum of three months.
Technically, there is no law stating spouses must partner with a Los Angeles family law attorney to get divorced in California. However, it is the best way to ensure your legal rights are protected during the divorce proceedings and going forward.
California allows temporary, rehabilitative, and permanent spousal support to be awarded during a divorce, when applicable, which means not every marriage’s dissolution will end in one spouse receiving alimony payments. All spousal support requirements will be determined based on the merits of each case and are not guaranteed. Our Los Angeles family law attorney can help you determine your eligibility to pursue alimony during a free consultation.
California is a no-fault divorce state, which means one spouse does not have to prove the other spouse caused the marriage’s dissolution — even if their behavior was the reason divorce proceedings began. Under certain circumstances, including those where an extramarital affair involved hotel stays, expensive dinners, lavish gifts, and vacations, a court may evaluate the costs associated with the affair, and order the spouse to repay the amount spent. However, this takes a tremendous amount of evidence in the form of bank statements, credit card statements, bills, and other documents. Talk to our experienced family law attorney in Los Angeles to determine whether the financial burden you endured because of your spouse’s affair applies to your divorce proceedings.
No California law requires one partner to pay the other’s attorney fees. However, in very rare cases, where the finances of one spouse significantly outweigh the other’s, you may have your divorce attorney file a motion for your ex-spouse to pay your attorney’s fees with the court.
