Compassionate Divorce Lawyers Serving Livermore, California
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we’re here to support you through the challenges of a failed marriage and any worries you have about the future. Whether you must protect your children, ensure a fair financial settlement, or smoothly navigate the divorce process, our Livermore divorce lawyers are ready to help.
We have extensive experience in all areas of divorce and can confidently represent you in:
- Legal separation
- Visitation and parenting time
- Child custody and support
- Division of marital property, debts, and assets
- Spousal support
At Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., we’ll help you make practical, informed decisions to achieve your essential divorce goals. Let us advocate for your best interests and protect your valuable assets.
Why Clients Select Us for Divorce Representation in Livermore
- Our lead attorney, Debra R. Schoenberg, is a 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).
- We specialize in family law. With years of experience, our divorce attorneys are experts at handling the complex and sensitive issues that arise during a Livermore divorce, which can significantly affect you and your family.
- As trial lawyers, we’re ready for any challenge. Our team has extensive experience litigating high-conflict, high-asset, and high-stakes divorce cases throughout California. We’ll work diligently to achieve your goals while minimizing the stress involved.
Common Reasons for Divorce in Livermore, California
In California, divorce does not require proving that one spouse is at fault. California is a no-fault divorce state, which means couples can file for divorce based on irreconcilable differences or an irreparable marriage breakdown. Neither party is considered responsible, and either spouse can end the marriage, even if the other wants to reconcile.
There are also residency requirements for divorce in California. One spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months and in the county for three months before filing. Additionally, after filing and serving the divorce petition, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period before the court can finalize the divorce.
Legal Separation in Livermore
Legal separation and divorce share similarities, yet each has its advantages and disadvantages. Both involve the distribution of property, debts, and assets, as well as the establishment of child custody and visitation arrangements. However, a significant distinction is that legal separation prohibits remarriage, as it maintains the legal marriage while the individuals live separate lives.
One benefit of legal separation is the absence of a residency requirement. Regardless of the duration of your residence in California, you can file for legal separation. Additionally, certain benefits, such as employee or insurance, can be maintained during a legal separation. Personal factors, like religious beliefs opposing divorce or a desire for reconciliation, make legal separation a preferable choice for some individuals.
Delivering Divorce Documents to a Missing Spouse
When initiating a divorce in California, the first step is to personally deliver the divorce papers to your spouse. If you’ve exhausted all options and are unable to locate them, you can request the court’s permission to publish the documents in a widely circulated newspaper.
A few years ago, an interesting case from another state sparked a noteworthy issue. A woman’s husband had been difficult to find since their marriage in 2009, maintaining contact only through phone calls and Facebook. She needed to serve him with divorce papers personally, but despite hiring a private investigator and making other efforts, she could not locate him. The court proposed a solution. Recognizing her exhaustive efforts to find her husband, the judge allowed her to send the divorce summons via a private message on Facebook.
How courts in our state interpret “publication” could impact whether posting a message and photo of the court papers on Facebook qualifies as valid notification, mainly if the spouse is likely to see it. It remains to be seen whether judges here would approve such a method. Still, this case raises an intriguing legal question and demonstrates an innovative use of technology in addressing family law matters such as divorce.
Annulments in Livermore
While it is not common, some couples may qualify for and opt for an annulment, which essentially voids the marriage as if it never occurred. A spouse may pursue an annulment for reasons such as:
- Incest
- Bigamy
- Lack of informed consent to the marriage
- Unsound mind
- Fraud
- Force, unless the forced party later chose to live with the other as a spouse
- Physical incapacity of either party at the time of marriage, if it is incurable
If you are considering an annulment and would like more information, one of our attorneys can speak with you to discuss your situation thoroughly.
Schedule A Confidential Case Review with our Livermore Divorce Lawyers Today
When dealing with divorce or any family-related legal matter, it is crucial to have a reliable lawyer who can comprehensively handle your case and explore all possible avenues. Here at Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C., our team of divorce lawyers in Livermore will provide unwavering support and guidance throughout every stage of your divorce proceedings. We will diligently construct a robust case that reflects your objectives and values.
Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today. We will address your most urgent legal concerns and devise a customized plan for your future. Contact us today.
