Compassionate Divorce Lawyers in Hillsborough, California
Having a compassionate and experienced legal advocate by your side can ease this stress and uncertainty. If you’re considering divorce, we urge you to contact Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. Our team understands that divorce is not only legally intricate but also emotionally draining for everyone involved. Our skilled Hillsborough divorce lawyer is here to assist you in developing comprehensive legal strategies to navigate the process confidently.
Reliable and Experienced Legal Representation for Every Aspect of Divorce in Hillsborough
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we prioritize transparency and maintaining open lines of communication to address your concerns effectively. We customize our strategies to meet your unique needs and ensure clear communication about our intentions at every stage of the divorce process. Our team of legal experts is well-versed in all aspects of divorce, including:
- The effectiveness of mediation in challenging situations.
- Temporary orders regarding marital property, spousal support, and child custody.
- Resolving disputes over asset and property division.
- Assessing and establishing appropriate child support, custody, and visitation arrangements.
- Financial support matters, including spousal support and Marvin action.
- Legal proceedings related to LGBT issues, such as same-sex marriages.
- Drafting pre- and postnuptial agreements.
- Obtaining restraining orders and other immediate measures against domestic violence.
- Addressing bankruptcy resulting from divorce.
- Handling post-divorce modifications or legal actions.
- Appealing family court orders.
With our comprehensive understanding of family law in Hillsborough and our commitment to open communication, we strive to alleviate the stress of your divorce and provide you with peace of mind during this challenging phase of your life. 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).
Ways to File for Divorce in Hillsborough, CA
Before starting the process to file for dissolution, it’s worth considering 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:
- A Hillsborough divorce can be filed to dissolve your marriage formally. Once the divorce is finalized, you’re considered single and can legally remarry.
- For those who prefer not to divorce due to personal, religious, or other reasons, a legal separation can be a viable alternative. It doesn’t officially end the marriage; instead, it allows for separation while retaining the marital status. You’re not permitted to marry or enter a domestic partnership when legally separated.
- An annulment may be an option in cases where a marriage is legally invalid. In California, marriages are deemed 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 Hillsborough have extensive expertise in divorce alternatives. We ensure you understand all your options before proceeding with the dissolution process. We understand the significant impact this decision can have on you and your family, so we provide all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision.
Requirements for Divorce in Hillsborough
California has set out specific criteria for initiating divorce or separation proceedings.
Fault in Divorces in Hillsborough
In California, divorces in Hillsborough operate under a “no-fault” system, which means that a spouse or partner doesn’t have to prove misconduct or wrongdoing to file for divorce. Additionally, both partners don’t need mutual consent to start the divorce process.
Residency Requirements
Each type of separation in California has its own residency requirements for filing.
- For divorces in California, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months and in the particular county where you intend to file for the last three months.
- To file for a legal separation, one of you must reside in the state, with no specific duration requirements.
- Typically, there are no residency prerequisites for an annulment.
These residency requirements only apply to married couples – domestic partnerships may have slightly different criteria.
When Does My Divorce Become Final in Hillsborough?
Getting a divorce in California follows a specific legal process that typically takes at least six months due to the state’s mandatory waiting period. This rule means no divorce can be finalized in less than six months. However, if you and your spouse use this waiting period to reach an agreement on all aspects of the divorce, such as child custody and property division, you may be able to finalize your divorce at the end of the six-month period.
Once you’ve reached a divorce settlement, you can submit the finalized agreement to a family court judge in San Mateo County. After the mandatory six-month period, the judge will review the documents and officially dissolve your divorce immediately. In general, judges approve most settlement agreements unless they significantly favor one spouse or pose a risk to a child’s well-being. Your divorce will be finalized in Hillsborough once a judge signs the paperwork and issues a formal divorce decree.
Your divorce case will proceed to trial if you and your spouse can’t reach a settlement agreement, meaning it will take longer to finalize. A divorce trial in Hillsborough 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 for any point before the trial begins. With a divorce trial, your marriage dissolution will be complete once the case concludes and a judge issues the necessary orders.
Divorce Proceedings and Mediation
Mediation allows couples to address their issues with the help of a neutral third party, avoiding the need to go to court. This method enables partners or spouses to openly discuss conflicts or concerns and find solutions. Unlike judges, mediators don’t make decisions or force you to follow their rulings.
Even if you prefer resolving your separation matters outside of court, it’s still wise to seek guidance from a qualified family law expert in Hillsborough who can assist you through this process. Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. supports your decision to seek resolutions outside the courtroom and will advise you on the most effective way to facilitate a peaceful separation.
Discover Your Divorce Options Today with Our Hillsborough Divorce Lawyer
With over 35 years of experience in California, Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. specializes in various aspects of family law and divorce. We provide personalized advice tailored to your needs, focusing on you and your children throughout the separation process.
Our divorce lawyers in Hillsborough understand the significant impact of divorce on families and aim to offer reassurance through transparent and open communication. If you have any questions about your divorce, please get in touch with us.
