Dedicated Divorce Lawyers Serving Clients in Mill Valley, California
We’re experts in all areas of family law in Mill Valley, offering certified expertise. Having a compassionate and experienced legal advocate by your side can ease the stress and uncertainty. If you’re thinking about divorce, reach out to Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. We understand divorce isn’t just legally complex but emotionally draining for everyone. Our skilled Mill Valley divorce lawyers are here to help you develop thorough legal strategies to navigate the process.
Dependable and Seasoned Legal Assistance for All Divorce Matters in Mill Valley
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we believe in transparency and keeping communication lines open to address your concerns effectively. We customize our strategies to meet your needs and ensure clear communication at every step of the divorce process.
Our team of legal experts is well-versed in all aspects of divorce, including:
- Using mediation effectively in challenging situations.
- Temporary orders regarding marital property, spousal support, and child custody.
- Resolving disputes over asset and property division.
- Determining suitable child support, custody, and visitation arrangements.
- Handling financial support matters, including spousal support.
- Addressing legal proceedings related to LGBT issues, like same-sex marriages.
- Drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
- Obtaining restraining orders and other immediate measures for domestic violence.
- Managing bankruptcy stemming from divorce.
- Dealing with post-divorce modifications or legal actions.
- Appealing family court orders.
Our lead attorney, Debra R. Schoenberg, holds the title of Certified Family Law Specialist. She has undergone additional education and training and successfully passed a written examination focusing on family law, earning certification from the State Board of Legal Specialists as a specialist in this field. She was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and is a Board-Certified Family Law Trial Specialist by The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA). With our comprehensive understanding of family law in Mill Valley and our commitment to open communication, we strive to ease the stress of your divorce and provide peace of mind during this challenging time.
Ways to File for Divorce in Mill Valley, CA
Before starting the process of filing for dissolution, it’s wise to explore other potentially more suitable options for separation based on your specific circumstances. California offers three official methods for ending a marriage or registered domestic partnership:
- You can file for a Mill Valley divorce to dissolve your marriage formally. Once the divorce is finalized, you’re considered single and can legally remarry.
- If you prefer not to divorce for personal, religious, or other reasons, a legal separation can be a viable alternative. It doesn’t end the marriage officially; instead, it allows for separation while maintaining the marital status. You’re not allowed to remarry or enter a domestic partnership while legally separated.
- An annulment may be an option in cases of a legally invalid marriage. In California, marriages are considered invalid if they are bigamous, incestuous, or involve individuals below the minimum age requirement (typically 18 years old). Additionally, an annulment may be granted if the marriage resulted from fraud or coercion.
The family law attorneys at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. in Mill Valley are well-versed in divorce alternatives, ensuring you’re fully informed about your options before proceeding with the dissolution process. We understand this decision’s significant impact on you and your family, so we provide all the necessary information to help you make an informed choice.
Divorce Requirements in Mill Valley
California has set forth basic requirements for filing for divorce or separation.
Fault in Mill Valley Divorces
In California, divorce operates under a “no-fault” system, meaning a spouse or partner doesn’t have to prove misconduct or wrongdoing to file for divorce. Additionally, both partners don’t need to mutually consent to the divorce before starting the process.
Residency Requirements
Each type of separation in California has residency requirements for filing.
For divorces in California, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for the past six months and in the specific county where you plan to file for the last three months.
To file for a legal separation, one of you must reside in the state, with no specific length or duration requirements.
Typically, there are no residency requirements for an annulment.
When Does My Divorce Become Final in Mill Valley?
Getting a divorce in California follows a specific legal process, usually lasting at least six months due to the state’s mandatory waiting period. This rule states that no divorce can be finalized in less than six months. However, if you and your spouse use this waiting period to come to a settlement where you both agree on everything, such as child custody and property division, your divorce might be finalized at the end of this six-month period.
Once you’ve reached a divorce settlement, you can submit the finalized agreement to a family court judge in Marin County. After the mandatory six-month period, the judge will review the documents and officially dissolve your marriage. Generally, judges approve most settlement agreements unless they heavily favor one spouse or pose a risk to a child’s well-being. Your divorce will be completed in Mill Valley once the judge signs the paperwork and issues a formal divorce decree.
If you and your spouse can’t reach a settlement agreement, your divorce case will proceed to trial, prolonging the process. A divorce trial in Mill Valley can last over a year or more, depending on the court backlog and the wait for your court date. However, you and your spouse can still settle at any point before the trial begins. Your marriage dissolution will be finalized once the trial concludes and a judge issues the necessary orders.
Mill Valley Mediation and Divorce Proceedings
Mediation gives couples the chance to work through their issues with the help of a neutral third party, avoiding the need for court intervention. This method allows partners or spouses to discuss conflicts or concerns and come to agreements independently and openly. Unlike judges, mediators don’t make decisions for you or force you to follow their directives.
Even if you prefer resolving your separation matters outside of court, seeking guidance from a qualified Mill Valley family law expert who can assist you through this process is still a good idea. Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. supports your decision to seek resolutions outside the courtroom and can provide effective advice to facilitate a peaceful separation.
Discover Your Divorce Options Today with Our Mill Valley Divorce Lawyers
With over 35 years of experience in Mill Valley and Marin County, Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. focuses on family law and divorce cases. We provide customized advice that suits your situation, putting you and your children first during the dissolution period.
Our Mill Valley divorce attorneys understand the significant impact of divorce on families and aim to offer support through clear and honest communication. If you have any questions about your divorce, please get in touch with us online or by phone at 415.851.9430.
